Blackwater humiliated Converge, 90-78, to take the provisional lead in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
In arguably their most dominant showing of the season-ending conference thus far, the Bossing pulled away late in the first quarter, and would hardly face any resistance en route to registering their third win in as many games.
“The focus on defense is something I’m really happy about, with regards to our execution tonight,” offered head coach Jeffrey Cariaso, who has steered the franchise to its best start since the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup (3-0).
Four players finished in double figures in the win, with rookie Christian David leading the way with 16 points. He scored half his output in the opening frame, which ended with a big 30-14 lead in their favor to set the tone for the romp.
Rey Suerte made 14 points. RK Ilagan supplied 12, all of which he made in the second period that saw Blackwater take full control of the game and head into the halftime break ahead with a commanding 58-29 advantage.
The FiberXers’ 29 first half points are the second-lowest in franchise history for a half, according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
Troy Rosario chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds for the Bossing, which led by as many as 35 points, 70-35, during the third quarter.
Blackwater will try to push its unbeaten streak to four against NLEX next Wednesday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. still at the Big Dome.
Alec Stockton, on the other hand, finished with a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds to lead Converge, who fell to 0-3 in the team standings.
Deschon Winston had 22 points and seven rebounds, while Justin Arana added 18 for the struggling FiberXers, which haven’t won a game since a 103-94 win against Terrafirma in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup last December 3.
Converge will also be taking on the Road Warriors for their next assignment on Saturday, March 9, 6:15 p.m. in Araneta as well.
The Scores:
Blackwater 90 – David 16, Suerte 14, Ilagan 12, Escoto 12, Rosario 10, Nambatac 7, Yap 5, Sena 3, DiGregorio 3, Tungcab 2, Guinto 2, Kwekuteye 2, Hill 2, Jopia 0.
Converge 78 – Stockton 24, Winston 22, Arana 18, Fleming 6, Fornilos 3, Balanza 2, Maagdenberg 1, Santos 0, Caralipio 0, Melecio 0, Nieto 0, Ambohot 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarterscores: 30-14, 58-29, 76-50, 90-78.
