Blackwater, Meralco join PBA winners’ circle

By Robert Andaya

Blackwater Bossing and Meralco Bolts recorded similar impressive victories over their respective opponents for winning starts in the 48th season of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Blackwater, led by Puerto Rican import Chris Ortiz, dominated Converge FiberX, 103-84, while Meralco, bannered by Nigerian reinforcement Suleiman Braimoh, outsteadied Rain or Shine, 107-102, to join opening-day winner Magnolia in the win column.

Ortiz, who played for Puerto Rico in the FIBA World Cup 2023 in Manila,  was the standout performer for Blackwater.

Ortiz led the way with  21 points on 10-of-26 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks for new Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

Jvee Casio added 15 points and four rebounds, Mike Ayonayon contributed 13 points and six rebounds and  Rey Suerte had 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists for Blackwater.

Troy Rosario and Tyrus Hill also made solid contributions with 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Bossing.

With Ortiz doing the damage, the Bossing posted their largest lead of the game at 70-44 during the third period, following a formidable 24-4 run with just 6:39 remaining on the clock.

Although Converge managed to narrow the gap to 16 points at 61-77 early in the final period, the Bossing quickly responded with another impressive scoring run, extending their lead to 27 points at 91-64.

Converge import Thomas Vodanovich delivered an impressive double-double performance with 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting and securing 18 rebounds.

Mac Tallo put up 15 points, Alec Stockton chipped in 14 and Justine Arana had 12 for coach Aldin Ayo’s team.

Meanwhile, Braimoh ignited the team’s campaign with an explosive, all-around performance  enroute to a  thrilling 107-102 victory over Rain or Shine.

Braimoh accumulated a remarkable stat line of 34 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, along with two steals and two blocks.

These impressive numbers were crucial for the Bolts, who are hoping to make a significant impact under the guidance of their new coach, Luigi Trillo, and consultant Nenad Vucinic.

The Nigeria-born Braimoh outshone his Rain or Shine counterpart DaJuan Summers, who put up 27 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the game.

Trillo is optimistic that the 6-8 Nigerian-American player can lead them to a successful run in the tournament, after their failure to reach the playoffs last year.

Chris Newsome, a key figure in the Gilas Pilipinas team that achieved a historic gold medal win in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, provided substantial support for Meralco. He delivered an impressive performance with 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Allein Maliksi, coming off the bench, contributed 16 points, including a crucial five-point stretch that helped secure the victory for the team. Cliff Hodge recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite trailing by 13 points at halftime, Rain or Shine also received significant contributions from their local players. Santi Santillan (16 points), Keith Datu (16), Andrei Caracut (15), and Jon Clarito (13) all played well in the Elasto Painters’ valiant effort.

The scores:

First game

Blackwater (103) – Ortiz 21, Casio 15, Ayonayon 13, Suerte 12, Rosario 11, Hill 10, Guinto 9, Escoto 3, David 3, Banal 3, DiGregorio 1

Converge (84) – Vodanovich 20, Tallo 15, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Balanza 10, Winston 9, Nieto 4, Melecio 0, Racal 0

Quarterscores: 27-18, 50-40, 75-55, 103-84

Second game

Meralco (107) – Braimoh 34, Newsome 20, Maliksi 16, Hodge 10, Dario 8, Almazan 6, Torres 5, Carram 3, Quinto 3, Black 2, Pascual 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0.

Rain or Shine (102) – Summers 15, Santillan 16, Datu 16, Caracut 15, Clarito 13, Nambatac 7, Mamuyac 4, Belga 2, Norwood 1, Demusis 1, Asistio 0, Belo 0

Quarterscores: 39-30, 63-50, 77-70, 107-102.