Blackwater out to stay unblemished
BLACKWATER Elite, one of five teams still unblemished in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, are out to remain spotless as they take the floor anew in league action today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
To take on TNT Ka Tropa in the 4: 15 p. m. opening game, Blackwater ( 2- 0) tries to keep its strong start to the seasonopening Philippine Basketball Association conference going anchored on a balanced attack by its roster of young up-and-comers and veterans led by rookie sensation Mac Belo.
In two games so far, Mr. Belo, adjudged as the first player of the week of the tournament, is averaging a team-high 21 points and 7.5 rebounds to go along with 1.5 steals and a block early in his PBA career.
Also averaging double figures in scoring for the Elite are Denok Miranda ( 11 ppg), Kyle Pascual ( 10 ppg) and Arthur Dela Cruz (10 ppg).
The latest of Blackwater’s victories came last Sunday at the expense of the debuting Meralco Bolts, 86-84.
In said game, Messrs. Belo and Miranda took charge late for the Elite to keep their team a step ahead of the Bolts en route to the victory.
Mr. Belo finished with 25 points, 21 of which coming in the second half, while veteran guard Miranda scored what turned out to be the winning basket apart from finishing with 11 points and seven assists and facilitating well for his team in the fourth period.
“It has been a good start for the Blackwater team. First-ever 2-0 start for us in the PBA and I’m sure management is happy about it. I think we have the pieces to compete but we still are a work in progress and hopefully our true potential will eventually show,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac as he talked about the strong start they are having during the postmatch press conference on Sunday.
KEY PIECES BACK
Looking to stop Blackwater is TNT (1-1), winner in its last game after opening the Philippine Cup with a loss.
The Ka Tropa are expected to welcome back two key pieces in head coach Nash Racela and star guard Jayson Castro.
Messrs. Racela and Castro missed TNT’s first two games for varying reasons with the former finishing first his commitments with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines where he was coach, and the latter taking a brief rest.
Ranidel de Ocampo is currently pacing TNT with averages of 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and a steal.
Troy Rosario has been good for 14 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Ka Tropa while Larry Fonacier is the other player posting double-digit scoring with 12 points to go along with four rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Meanwhile, in the 7 p.m. main game, Globalport Batang Pier (10) go for their second win in as many games against the Star Hotshots (0-1), who will try to barge into the win column. —