Blackwater overcomes Meralco in PBA opener
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MANILA – Rey Nambatac had a s ol i d debut f or Blackwater Bossing as they escaped with a 96-93 victory over Meralco Bolts in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
After leading by as much as 19 points early in the fourth quarter, the Bossing were stunned to see their lead cut to 94-93 behind the hot shooting of Bolts winger Allein Maliksi.
Nambatac then converted two free throws to increase Blackwater’s lead to 96-93 with 19 seconds left. Meralco still had a chance to tie the score but Maliksi missed on his final three-point attempt.
Nambatac finished with 27 points, including 12-of-12 free throw shooting, to go with career- high 10 assists and five rebounds as the Bossing kicked off their campaign on a winning note.
“Siguro sa seven years ko sa PBA, ito na ‘yung pinakamataas kong assist number,” Nambatac
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said. “Thankful ako kay coach Jeff (Cariaso) and sa teammates ko sa tiwala kasi every time I have the ball alam na nila kung ano ‘yung gagawin ko.”
Jeth Troy Rosario added 15 markers, Rey Suerte and Tyrus Hill contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Negrense James Yap made his Blackwater debut with five points and one rebound.
Holding to a slim 43- 41 lead at the half, the Bossing created separation in the third quarter behind attacks by Nambatac and an outside shot from Rosario for a 72-62 advantage.
Blackwater continued its run in the fourth quarter with three-pointers from Rosario and Yap as the lead reached its biggest at 86-67 on two free throws by Nambatac before Maliksi caught fire for Meralco to cut the deficit to 93-94 with 56 seconds left.
“We were able to maintain (the lead) just enough but you expect that from a veteran team like Meralco, you will expect them to comeback. “So, we have took at that fourth (quarter) where we lose our lead and that’s what we need to improve,” said Cariaso.
Maliksi top-scored for the Bolts with 27 points, with 20 coming in the fourth quarter, Chris Newsome added 16 markers, while Jose and Aaron Black ended with 10 points apiece./ PN
BOX SCORE:
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, 4341, 72-62, 96-93.