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| In his first game back in the Philippines since the FIBA World Cup, Chris Ortiz showed what he can do more to lead Blackwater to a season-opening win. Dennis Acosta |
BINAN--Blackwater began life with Jeffrey Cariaso at the helm on a solid note after bludgeoning Converge, 103-84, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Bossing looked dominant early on after holding the FiberXers to just 18 first-quarter points.
Blackwater then blew the game wide open in the third quarter, outscoring Converge, 25-15, to open a 75-55 lead.
The Bossing would extend their lead to as high as 27 points, 98-71, with less than three and a half minutes left before settling for the 19-point win.
Puerto Rico international Chris Ortiz, who played in the Smart Araneta Coliseum phase of the FIBA World Cup, led Blackwater with 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and three steals.
Jvee Casio added 15 points, one rebound, and four assists.
Troy Rosario and Bradwyn Guinto had perfect clips from the field with the former going 5-for-5 for 11 points and the latter finishing 4-for-4 for nine points.
Christian David, the number two pick of this year's draft, had a quiet three points, three rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal in his PBA debut.
Tom Vodanovich led Converge with 20 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal.
Mac Tallo, in his first PBA game after four years, added 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists off the bench, but he went 6-of-17 from the field including 3-of-11 from deep while committing three turnovers.
Schonny Winston struggled in his anticipated regular season debut, only going 3-of-13 from the field including 1-of-10 from inside the arc for nine points alongside two rebounds and three assists.
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