Blackwater Elite outhustled and outplayed the NLEX Road Warriors to post a 98-88 upset in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Arena Powered by Smart 5G, yesterday, Saturday, October 17.
Journeyman Don Trollano played arguably his best game in his career in the league, submitting a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, to lead the Elite to victory.
The Elite played with more intensity and resolve – especially in the pivotal third quarter when they outscored the Road Warriors 35-16 to post a19–point 81-62 advantage going into the payoff fourth – to shock the favored Road Warriors.
The Elite, motivated by head coach Nash Racela, played with a sense of urgency and purpose to outrebound the Road Warriors 64-48 en route to the win.
With the victory the Elite (2 wins, 1 loss) climbed into solo fifth place behind unbeaten teams TNT Tropang Giga (3-0), Rain or Shine Elastopainters (2-0), Phoenix Super LPG (2-0) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2-0).
The other teams include Meralco Bolts (1-1), Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (1-1), San Miguel Beermen (1-2), Terrafirma Dyip (0-2), Alaska Aces (0-2), NorthPort Batang Pier (0-2) and the Road Warriors (0-3)
Raul Soyud cut hard into the paint, received the pass and scored underneath to push NLEX to a four-point, 46-42, advantage. But Trollano made two free throws followed by a layup by Niño Canaleta to tie the count 46-all at halftime.
The Elite started connecting from distance to grab the initiative in the third. Frank Golla drilled a triple from just above the elbow to push Blackwater to a 12-point 69-57 lead with five minutes left in the third.
Paul Desiderio connected on another triple to hike the Elite lead to 16 points, 77-61 with two to go in the third. Canaleta converted a layup 79-61, Blackwater. Mike Tolomia then stole the ball, dribbled the length of the court to convert a fastbreak layup to push the Elite to a 20-point, 81-61 advantage.
Blackwater eventually held an 81-62 lead going into the fourth.
The scores:
Blackwater Elite 98 – Don Trollano 18, Niño Canaleta 18, Roi Sumang 13, Ed Daquioag 10, Frank Golla 8, Mac Belo 7, Paul Desiderio 7, Mike Tolomia 6, Matt Salem 5, Marion Magat 3, Jonjon Gabriel 2, Richard Escoto 1, Ron Dennison 0, Diego Dario 0.
NLEX Road Warriors 88 – Mike Ayonayon 20, Kiefer Ravena 17, Kevin Alas 13, Raul Soyud 13, Kris Porter 9, Will McAloney 6, JR Quiñahan 5, Paul Galanza 5, Anthony Semerad 0, Philip Paniamogan 0, Paul Varilla 0, Mike Miranda 0, Kenneth Ighalo 0, .
Quarter scores: 17-15; 46-46; 81-62; 98-88.
