By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--In a no-bearing match, Blackwater showed it can still win.
The Elite deposed the Meralco Bolts, 84-72, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup match Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Blackwater led from the opening tip-off and stretched its advantage to as much as 22 to finish its campaign with three wins and eight losses.
Marcus Douthit had 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks for the Elite, who can still tap his services for the Governors' Cup as they, the Kia Carnival, the GlobalPort Batang Pier, and the Barako Bull Energy will be allowed to field in an import of unlimited height aside from a 6-3 or below import of Asian descent. J.P. Erram added 21 markers, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
Jared Dillinger led the Bolts, who will face sister club NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinals, with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Box Scores:
Blackwater 84-Douthit 27, Erram 21, Cervantes 13, Heruela 7, Acuna 6, Bulawan 5, Gamalinda 3, Laure 2, Timberlake 0, Reyes 0, Golla 0
Meralco 72-Dillinger 15, Anthony 13, Cortez 13, Davis 11, Wilson 7, Ferriols 5, Caram 3, Reyes 2, David 2, Buenafe 1, Ildefonso 0, Sena 0, Hugnatan 0, Macapagal 0
Quarterscores: 26-23, 50-40, 66-46, 84-72