It was a triumphant PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup debut for Blackwater, which got big games from Christian David, RK Ilagan and rookie Dalph Panopio.
When Christian David signed a two-year extension with Blackwater, he vowed to bring the Bossing to the playoffs in PBA Season 50.
That desire was evident in the Bossing’s 107-87 drubbing of Terrafirma in their first assignement in the Philippine Cup Friday night, Oct. 10.
David set the tone early, dropping 18 of his team-high 24 points in the first half, before RK Ilagan put the finishing touches to the win at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
[RELATED STORY: Sedrick Barefield-less Blackwater overtakes Terrafirma in PBA PH Cup]
The sweet-shooting forward, who agreed to a two-year extension with Blackwater in the offseason, also had seven rebounds, an assist and two steals.
“I'm just trying to lead this team to more wins. I felt like last year is kind of disappointing," said David during the post-game press conference.
"We felt confident going into last year. This year, I want to take this team to the playoffs."
[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: Christian David treasures fulfilling PBA dream with mother by his side]
1-2 punch of David, Ilagan
Ilagan took over from David, producing 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
He laced his double-double output with three assists and four steals.
Quiet in the early goings, the pint-sized guard came alive when it mattered most.
Ilagan scored the team’s last seven points to halt the Dyip, who tried to put up a fight by cutting a 20-point deficit down to 12, 85-97.
Rookie Dalph Panopio also did not disappoint, churning out 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
[ALSO READ: Dalph Panopio for Gilas Pilipinas? Why not, says incoming PBA rookie]
“It’s really a big game for us, especially to set the tone for the rest of the conference… It’s a total team effort,” said David.
Meanwhile, Jerrick Ahanmisi also impressed in his Terrafirma debut, collecting 25 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field.
Traded to the Dyip from Magnolia for the rights to Javi Gomez de Liaño, Ahanmisi impressed in his new home, filling up the stat sheet with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Paolo Hernandez scored 19 points as he tried to will the team back from the dead, but he could only do so much.
Blackwater vs Terrafirma Scores:
BLACKWATER 107 – David 24, Ilagan 22, Panopio 13, Tratter 12, Mallilin 8, Mendoza 7, Andrade 6, Escoto 5, Dumont 5, Guinto 3, Murrell 2, Jopia 0, Zamar 0
TERRAFIRMA 87 – Ahanmisi 25, Hernandez 19, Sangalang 12, Bravo 9, Paraiso 8, Hanapi 4, Nonoy 4, Olivario 2, Zaldivar 2, Rivero 0, Bataller 0, Garcia 0
Quarterscores: 30-26, 50-42, 79-61, 107-87
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.