Blackwater nips NLEX to open PBA on Tour

Tyrus Hill soars for the dunk. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI—Blackwater prevailed in Joe Silva's PBA head coaching debut after stunning NLEX, 93-88, at the start of the PBA on Tour preseason series on Sunday night at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Silva, the lead assistant coach, took over for the Bossing on an interim basis as head coach Jeffrey Cariaso is currently in the United States.

However, Mike Ayonayon and Rey Suerte delivered for the Ever Bilena franchise as they helped the team hold off the Road Warriors after they inched closer in the second half.

Ayonayon led Blackwater with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Suerte added 14 points, two assists, and one steal.

Sean Anthony paced NLEX with 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Don Trollano chipped in 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

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