Oct 17, 2020

Big third-quarter explosion hands Elite second win in three games

BLACKWATER has always been exuding a different kind of energy in the third period in the PBA Clark bubble play.

The Elite were a super-charged team coming from the halftime huddle versus the NLEX Road Warriors, erupting for 35 points in the third quarter and sustaining a searing pace en route to a 98-88 win Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Gym in Angeles City.

"It's a combination of us playing well offensively as a team and sharing the ball and maybe the other team committing a breakdown defensively. But it's nice in a way we're able to score at will in the third quarter," said Blackwater coach Nash Racela

Blackwater cranked up in the third and broke away from a 46-all halftime count en route to a big bounce-back win from a 99-103 loss to Barangay Ginebra Thursday.

Going to Week Two of the bubble play, Blackwater is right behind the early leaders with a 2-1 win-loss card. The Elite were efficient and cohesive in their first win over the NorthPort Batang Pier, 96-89, on Oct. 12.

Sponsored content:
Don Trollano came through with a rare double-double game with 18 points and 11 markers while KG Canaleta had his own 18-point outing off the bench as Blackwater sent NLEX reeling to a third straight loss.

It was another sorry loss for coach Yeng Guiao and his troops after blowing away a 22-point bulge in a loss to the Magnolia Hotshots the last time out. Their first defeat came at the hands of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

Backcourt players Roi Sumang and Ed Daquiaog also had double-digit outputs, combining for 23 markers, 14 assists and 10 rebounds and helping the Elite to a solid 2-1 conference start under their new coach.

A big, big key was the huge advantage they built from a 35-16 explosion in the third quarter.

The Road Warriors were not far behind at 57-69 before scoring only a free throw in the last seven minutes of the third period.

Sponsored content:
With quickness, energy and resolve, the Elite crushed the Road Warriors on hustle points, bucking a 38-42 disadvantage on points off the board.

The Elite were also ready for the Road Warriors' shock-troopers. Blackwater beat NLEX, 64-29, on bench production. (SB)

The scores:

Blackwater 98 - Trollano 18,Canaleta 18, Sumang 13, Daquioag 10, Golla 8, Belo 7, Desiderio 7, Mike Tolomia 6, Salem 5, Magat 3, Gabriel 2, Escoto 1, Dario 0, Shaw 0, Dennison 0.

NLEX 88 -- Ayonayon 20, Ravena 17, Soyud 13, Alas 13, Porter 9, McAloney 6, Quinahan 5, Galanza 5, Miranda 0, Paniamogan 0, Varilla 0, Ighalo 0, Semerad 0, Cruz 0, Taulava 0.

Quarters: 17-15, 46-46, 81-62, 98-88.