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| Henry Walker led Blackwater's charge before Chris Javier and John Pinto closed it out. PBA Media Bureau |
By Jean Sarabia
MANILA—The Blackwater Elite remain undefeated as they claimed their third straight victory against the NorthPort Batang Pier, 113-111, in the PBA Governors' Cup Wednesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Fresh from a two-week break to give way for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Elite managed to escape the Batang Pier with a come-from-behind win.
NorthPort showed their hunger for their first win as Rashad Woods and Stanley Pringle led the team in the first quarter of the game ending it with 23-39 in favor of Batang Pier.
But Blackwater managed to wipe out their 18-point deficit in the second quarter with six triples enough to close it at 56-59 halftime.
As the second half started, the Elite continued their momentum and got their first lead of the game with a lay-up from John Pinto at the seven minute mark of the quarter.
But the Batang Pier wanted to win this game so bad that they secured an advantage and entered the last period with an eight point lead, 79-87.
Chris Javier and John Pinto became heroes for Blackwater the fourth quarter as they managed to score baskets during crunch time.
Javier’s back-to-back baskets under the two-minute mark secured the lead for Blackwater for good.
Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle made efforts for NorthPort to cut the lead down to three, but Pinto scored a dagger three with 31 seconds remaining.
Mike DiGregorio then successfully shot his free throws from a penalty foul in the last seconds of the game enough for Blackwater to hand North Port Batang Pier their 5th straight loss.
Import Henry Walker shone as he accomplished 24 points for team while DiGregorio and Poy Erram both committed 19 points.
This is the Elite’s best franchise start in the conference having three straight wins. They will soon face Barangay Ginebra, whom they shared the top spot with, on Friday back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
BLACKWATER 113 - Walker 24, DiGregorio 19, Erram 19, Belo 13, Sumang 9, Pinto 8, Zamar 6, Palma 4, Javier 4, Al-Hussaini 3, Maliksi 2, Jose 2.
NORTH PORT 111 - Woods 31, Pringle 18, Anthony 13, Elorde 12, Araña 9, Tautuaa 8, Taha 6, Grey 5, Guinto 4, Fortuna 3, Espinas 2, Gabayni 0.
Quarterscores: 23-39, 56-59, 79-87, 113-111
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