ANTIPOLO – Rey Nambatac refused to see his debut become a footnote as he saved Blackwater from a massive collapse against Meralco, 96-93, in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup opener Wednesday night at the Ynares Center here.
The lefty playmaker calmly sank both of his charities with 19.5 seconds left to play, and the Bossing turned to their defense afterward to seal the deal after seeing their 19-point lead become just one, 94-93, no thanks to Allein Maliksi.
Nambatac finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists to start the newest of his career triumphantly after being traded by Rain or Shine in exchange for future draft picks before the season-ending tilt.
“Thankful ako and grateful for Coach Jeff and my teammates kasi sobrang laki ng tiwala nila sa akin. Every time I have the ball, talagang alam nila kung ano yung gagawin ko,” said the former Letran Knight post-game.
Troy Rosario delivered 15 points on three triples in the Bossing’s first win since mauling Converge, 103-84, in their Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup debut back on November 8, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Rey Suerte made 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Tyrus Hill supplied 10 points as four finished in double figures in the triumph.
The victory also served as a fitting welcome for James Yap. The two-time MVP, who signed with the team as a free agent, scored five points.
Maliksi, on the other hand, finished with 27 points on a 5-of-6 clip from beyond the arc off the bench to lead Meralco in the comeback that fell just short.
Chris Newsome had 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Aaron Black, Raymar Jose, and Jolo Mendoza added 10 apiece.
Both squads will jump back into action on Saturday, March 2, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Blackwater opens the double-header versus TNT at 3 p.m., while Meralco takes on Rain or Shine in the 6:15 p.m. nightcap.
The Scores:
Blackwater 96 – Nambatac 27, Rosario 15, Suerte 11, Hill 10, DiGregorio 9, David 7, Escoto 6, Guinto 5, Yap 5, Jopia 1, Ilagan 0, Kwekuteye 0, Sena 0.
Meralco 93 – Maliksi 27, Newsome 16, Jose 10, Mendoza 10, Black 10, Hodge 6, Banchero 5, Quinto 3, Bates 3, Torres 3, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Pascual 0.
Quarterscores: 18-26, 43-41, 72-62, 96-93.
