Strong third quarter pushes Blackwater to win second bubble

Blackwater unleashed another storm in the third quarter on Saturday to thwart winless NLEX, 98-88, and continue their surprising start in the PBA Philippine Cup at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The game was tied at 46 after two quarters when the Elite lost 35 points while holding the Road Warriors to 16 in the third to claim their second win in three games with freshman coach Nash Racela.

It has been a habit for Blackwater to have their offense sizzle in the third. The Elite had 41 to complete their comeback win over NorthPort Batang Pier and produced 39 in their near surprise against undefeated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel two nights earlier.

“If it happens in any game, I’ll take it,” said Racela, whose second stint as PBA coach is off to a good start.

Don Trollano was once again one of the main cogs in Blackwater’s victory, scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds, while veteran KG Canaleta also scored 18 points and hit four of nine three-point attempts.

Point guard Roi Sumang also continues his consistent performance with 13 points, five rebounds and six assists, even as Ed Daquioag scored nine of his 10 in the third and added five rebounds and eight assists.

Canaleta, Sumang and Daquioag led Blackwater’s bench group that produced 64 points, which is a record for any team in six competitive games inside the Pampanga bubble.

NLEX’s troubles continued after falling to 0-3 in this conference, ruining a 20-point effort by rookie guard Mike Ayonayon.

Kiefer Ravena scored 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals, Kevin Alas scored 13 points and six rebounds and Raúl Soyud scored 13 points and seven rebounds.

Scores:

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

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

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