By Dugout Philippines
Kia banked on a third quarter blitz to turn back fellow expansion team Blackwater, 80-66, at the start of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Trailing by as much as 13 in the first half, the Sorentos outscored the Elites, 38-17, in the third period to open a 12-point cushion, 63-51, entering the final canto.
The onslaught continued in the fourth as Kia increased the lead to as much as 18 and never looked back to impress the 52,612 people who watched the game in the world's biggest indoor arena.
L.A. Revilla exploded for 18 of his 23 points in the pivotal second half rally by the Sorentos.
In his regular season debut, Manny Pacquiao went scoreless and committed two turnovers in seven minutes of play.
Juami Tiongson and Poy Erram each had ten markers for the Elites.
Box Scores:
Kia 80-Revilla 23, Thiele 13, Cervantes 13, Lingganay 11, Saldua 7, Alvarez 4, Sanga 3, Webb 2, Padilla 2, Buensuceso 1, Ighalo 1, Alonzo 0, Pacquiao 0, Raymundo 0.
Blackwater 66-Tiongson 10, Erram 10, Faundo 6, Nuyles 6, Menor 6, Cawaling 6, Artadi 6, Salvacion 6, Ballesteros 4, Rodriguez 2, Laure 2, Austria 2, Timberlake 0, Gamalinda 0.
Quarterscores: 12-21, 25-34, 63-51, 80-66
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