Blackwater is off to a promising start under new head coach Jeff Cariaso after clobbering Converge, 103-84, in its PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup opener on Wednesday evening at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
In their first official outing with the former cager turned mentor, the Bossing regained the lead late in the second quarter before fully taking control of the game in the following period en route to a successful start to the season.
They also snapped a nine-game losing skid with the victory, which dates back to last season’s Governors’ Cup. Furthermore, the victory marked the franchise’s first over the FiberXers in a regular conference.
“It always feels good just to win. It’s nothing personal kung sino ‘yung kalaban,” said Cariaso as their first win came at the expense of his former team. “Tonight, it was Converge and we were blessed with this victory.”
Six players finished in double figures in the win, with import Chris Ortiz leading the way with 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Jvee Casio finished 15 points. Mike Ayonayon supplied 13 points and six rebounds, while Rey Suerte tallied 12-6-5 as the guards stepped up in the absence of lead floor general Baser Amer, who’s out due to a calf injury.
Troy Rosario produced 11 points and five boards while Tyrus Hill chipped in 10 markers for the Bossing, which shot 51-percent from the floor.
“But there’s still a lot of hard work. So I want to make sure that’s clear. First thing I’m going to tell the guys is there’s still a lot of hard work to be done at this stage. That potential, we haven’t reached yet,” Cariaso said.
Converge, on the other hand, was led by Tom Vodanovich, who finished with 20 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in the loss.
The FiberXers actually took a 33-31 lead during the second period, but the Bossing scored 12 straight to take the 10-point lead, 43-33. The latter would enter the halftime intermission holding a 50-40 advantage.
Things then turned from bad to worse for Converge as Blackwater zoomed to a 70-44 lead approaching the midway mark of the third, never to look back.
Mac Tallo scored 15 points in his PBA return after four years. Alec Stockton made 14 points while Justin Arana added 12 markers in the loss.
Both squads will return to action this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Blackwater opens the double-header affair against Meralco at 3 p.m., and Converge takes the floor opposite TNT at 6:15 p.m.
The Scores:
Blackwater 103 – Ortiz 21, Casio 15, Ayonayon 13, Suerte 12, Rosario 11, Hill 10, Guinto 9, Escoto 3, David 3, Banal 3, McCarthy 2, Sena 0.
Converge 84 – Vodanovich 20, Tallo 15, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Balanza 10, Winston 9, Nieto 4, Ebona 0, Maagdenberg 0, Melecio 0, Racal 0, Ambohot 0, Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 50-40, 75-55, 103-84.
