Blackwater handed TNT a 101-78 beatdown to close out their PBA On Tour campaign in style, Sunday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Hardly affected by their streak-ending loss to Rain or Shine the last time out, the Bossing raced to an early lead before pulling away in the third canto, eventually finishing as the preseason derby’s third-best team with a 7-4 record.
“The challenge for the guys was to go on a break on a winning note,” said head coach Jeff Cariaso. “Doesn’t matter the situation we’re in, it doesn’t matter sino kalaban, anong game, whether it’s PBA On Tour or it’s the regular conference.
“What I wanted to establish was the mindset that you play every game the same way. Dun ako proud with the guys tonight,” he added.
Seven players finished in double figures in the victory, with JVee Casio leading the way with 18 points that included four of his team’s 15 three-pointers.
He made back-to-back treys to help Mike DiGregorio out in a 9-0 run to start the third canto en route to a 60-45 lead, breaking the game wide open.
DiGregorio supplied 15 points, 10 of which he made in the first half. The troika of Troy Rosario, Ato Ular, and Rashawn McCarthy scored 11 apiece.
Rey Suerte and Mike Ayonayon added 10 markers apiece for Blackwater, who shot 43-percent from the floor thanks to their 24 assists.
“I’m happy with how the guys came out. Mentally strong; what I asked from them, binigay naman nila. I’m proud of them for that,” Cariaso said.
Glenn Khobuntin, on the other hand, finished with 14 points on 17 attempts to lead TNT, who finished the On Tour with a 1-10 slate.
Jaydee Tungcab had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Carl Cruz added 11 for a Tropang Giga side that did not have the Triple Giga boys, which are set to compete in Leg 5 of the PBA 3×3 Season 3 First Conference Monday.
The Scores:
Blackwater 101 – Casio 18, DiGregorio 15, Rosario 11, McCarthy 11, Suerte 10, Ayonayon 10, Ular 8, Ilagan 7, Escoto 4, Publico 4, Banal 0.
TNT 78 – Khobuntin 14, Tungcab 13, Cruz 11, Cuntapay 8, Marcelo 8, Heruela 7, Montalbo 7, Alfaro 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Varilla 2, Jopia 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 32-21, 51-43, 80-55, 101-78
