August 18, 2017

Blackwater gets big lift from Walker, Sumang; stalls NLEX entry to quarter-finals

BLACKWATER leaned on the hot hands of Roi Sumang and a crucial defensive play by import Henry Walker to stun NLEX, 107-106, and stretched its winning ways in the PBA Governors Cup Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sumang finished with a career-best 32 points – 17 of them coming in a dazzling display of firepower in the second period.

But it was Walker who preserved the Elite’s second straight win in five outings when he chased down and blocked what would have been a sure two points for a driving JR Quinahan in the final 9.6 seconds of the thrilling game and Blackwater ahead by just a point.

Walker, who formerly suited up for NLEX, had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists as he remained unbeaten with Blackwater since replacing the injured Trevis Simpson.

“Henry Walker continued to be the inspiration of the whole team,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac of the former NBA player.

Sponsored content:
Sumang ended up going 5 of 10 from three point range to become the first player drafted in the third round - or in later rounds - to score the most number of output since Peter June Simon had 42.

His offensive explosion allowed Blackwater to enjoy lead of as much as 45-34 in the second quarter.

Yet, the Elite didn’t had the game secured until the final buzzer when Larry Fonacier’s turnaround shot hit just the back of the rim, giving the team its third straight win over the Road Warriors this season.

Isaac had nothing but praise for the 5-foot-10 Sumang.

“I was happy to see him get out of his shell and showcase the talent that he has,” he said of the former University of the East stalwart.

Sponsored content:
Mike Digregorio also did well for the Elite with 18 points, but missed two potential game-winning free throws with three seconds left.

The Road Warriors suffered their second loss in their last three outings despite getting six players in double figures led by Kevin Alas with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Cyrus Baguio played his first game for NLEX since being traded this week and finished with seven points in 18 minutes of play.

The Road Warriors fell to a 5-2 record, but still remains in the upper half of the standings.