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| Nuki Sabio/PBA Images (file photo) |
By Dugout Philippines
Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao got blown out in his pro basketball debut by the Blackwater Elites' defense as they trounced his Kia Sorentos, 88-77, in their PBA preseason match at the Alonte Sports Complex in Biñan City.
Pacquiao was held to only one point and one rebound and committed two turnovers in his first game as the Sorentos' playing coach in the game where the Elites pulled away in the third quarter.
Blackwater outscored Kia, 30-18, in the pivotal third quarter to open a 14-point cushion, 72-58, after a close first half.
Kia still tried to mount a comeback in the fourth as the team cut the lead to eight with five minutes left.
But Sunday Salvacion and Alex Nuyles converted back-to-back triples to stop the Kia rally for good and helped rebuild the double-digit edge Blackwater would hold on in the end.
Nuyles led the Elites with 18 points, 11 coming in the second half, while Salvacion added 15 all from three-point land.
Reil Cervantes had a game-high 23 points, three assists, and two blocks for the Sorentos.
Box Scores:
Blackwater 88–Nuyles 18, Salvacion 15, Cawaling 12, Menor 7, Laure 6, Faundo 4, Erram 4, Gamalinda 4, Heruela 4, Austria 4, Timberlake 2, Celiz 2, Llagas 2, Artadi 2, Ballesteros 2
Kia 77–Cervantes 23, Alonzo 10, Thiele 9, Lingganay 8, Raymundo 6, Alvarez 5, Revilla 4, Bagatsing 3, Ighalo 2, Sanga 2, Padilla 2, Burtscher 2, M. Pacquiao 1, Saldua 0
Quarterscores: 22-20, 42-40, 72-58, 88-77
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