Blackwater sinks import-less Alaska

Games today (Binan, Laguna) 3 p.m. – Mahindra vs San Miguel

5:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Star

MJ Rhett produced the first triple-double game of the season with 21 rebounds, 18 points and 10 assists while Carlo Lastimosa and Reil Cervantes contributed a pair of 20-point efforts as Blackwater achieved its first-ever back-to-back triumphs with a 107-101 drubbing of import-less Alaska Milk in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the MOA Arena last night.

Rhett, Lastimosa and Cervantes fuelled Blackwater’s decisive breakaway from a tight 5150 halftime count en route to a second straight win following their 110-102 toppling of fellow expansion team Mahindra Sunday at the Big Dome.

The Elite were 0-6 coming off a win last season, the first year of the Ever Bilena franchise in the pro league.

“It feels good to achieve these first back-to-back wins. I’m very sure team owner Dioceldo Sy, who’s on a business trip abroad, will be happy to hear the news,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

Things became a bit easier for the Elite as coach Alex Compton opted to keep Rob Dozier on the bench due to an injury (plantar fasciitis).

Rhett overpowered his local matchups, delivering the first triple-double effort in the season and leading Blackwater to a first-ever win over Alaska Milk. He nearly had a fourth double-digit stat with seven turnovers.

“I believe he’s still got something to give. We’re asking him to be a little more dominant offensively, but he said he’s okay playing along the situation,” said Isaac.

“We’re sticking with him for as long as we’re winning. There’s always this room for improvement but we’re sticking on what we do as we’re winning. Hopefully, we go to the next level as we know our game is not yet for crunch time,” Isaac also said.

Against the Aces, the Elite shifted to higher gear in the second half, taking a 10-point lead, 80-70, at the end of the third then led by as many as 15 before holding off an Alaska siege at endgame.

Terrence Romeo poured in 33 points while returning Globalport import Calvin Warner put in 21 rebounds and 11 markers as the Batang Pier also made it two in a row with a 108-101 spanking of an all-Filipino Tropang TNT in the nightcap.

“I have to give it to Calvin. He came in just this (yesterday) morning after a long 30-hour journey from Dominican Republic, but he played tough enough to help us win the game,” said Globalport coach Pido Jarencio.

“We’re eyeing him as our import for the third conference. Pero susubukan na rin namin in this conference,” Jarencio added.

The scores: First Game BLACKWATER 107 – Lastimosa 24, Cervantes 21, Rhett 18, Gamalinda 12, Cortez 10, Reyes 10, Dela Cruz 6, Cañada 3, Erram 2, Tiongson 1, Golla 0.

ALASKA 101 – Manuel 20, Thoss 18, Baguio 16, Abueva 11, Casio 10, Banchero 9, Dela Cruz 4, Racal 4, Eman 3, Jazul 3, Exciminiano 2, Dela Rosa 1, Vanlandingham 0. Quarterscores: 27-23, 51-50, 80-70, 107-101 Second Game GLOBALPORT 108 – Romeo 33, Pringle 14, Sumang 11, Warner 11, Washington 9, Semerad 8, Yeo 8, Mamaril 6, Jensen 4, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 2, Uyloan 0.

TRO PANG TNT 101 – Castro 25, Tautuaa 21, Seigle 16, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 8, Reyes J. 8, Rosser 6, Carey 3, Ababou 2, Reyes R. 2, Aban 0, Rosario 0.

Quarterscores: 19-18, 55-43, 90-71, 108-101