Dalph Panopio made a good account of himself after helping Blackwater start off its PBA Season 50 on the right foot following a 107-87 repulsing of Terrafirma on Friday evening at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal.
The third overall pick of the recent Draft finished with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block as he contributed to the Bossing’s charge in the middle quarters toward a triumphant Philippine Cup debut.
By crushing a Dyip team that has hardly shown any progress despite their renaissance of sorts following a failed sale attempt, Coach Jeff Cariaso & Co. have joined Magnolia, Titan Ultra, and NLEX as the conference’s early winners.
(C) PBA Images
“Masarap po ‘yung feeling kasi we won. I want to appreciate all my coaches and teammates for helping me,” offered Panopio shortly after the match.
A total of four players finished in double figures for Blackwater, with Christian David leading the way with 24 points–including a four–and seven rebounds.
RK Ilagan notched a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, which he laced with four steals, while Abu Tratter supplied 12 points and eight rebounds.
“We’re very happy that we got the job done today,” said Cariaso. “You want to always start on a good note and today was a good first step.”
The Bossing will now turn their attention to next Wednesday’s game against Meralco at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, looking to make it two in a row.
(C) PBA Images
Jerrick Ahanmisi, on the other hand, was the lone bright spot for Terrafirma with 25 points and seven rebounds. Louie Sangalang added 12 in the loss that spoiled the head coaching debut of the newly promoted Ronald Tubid.
The Dyip can try to give the former star his first win when they take on a confident NLEX on Sunday, October 12, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Blackwater 107 – David 24, Ilagan 22, Panopio 13, Tratter 12, Mallilin 8, Mendoza 7, Andrade 6, Escoto 5, Dumont 5, Guinto 3, Murrell 2, Jopia 0, Zamar 0
Terrafirma 87 – Ahanmisi 25, Hernandez 19, Sangalang 12, Bravo 9, Paraiso 8, Hanapi 4, Nonoy 4, Olivario 2, Zaldivar 2, Rivero 0, Bataller 0, Garcia 0
Quarterscores: 30-26, 50-42, 79-61, 107-87
