Parks wins in PBA debut as Blackwater beats Meralco in OT

Bobby Ray Parks won in his first game in the PBA as Blackwater won over Meralco in overtime, 94-91, last May 19 in the Commissioner’s Cup opening game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Parks finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals in the win by Blackwater to start off the conference with the victory. He also got support as Blackwater import Alex Stepheson had 21 points and 31 rebounds, and Mike DiGregorio tallying 21 points and shot five triples in the win.

Mac Belo scored a short stab to break a 91-91 tie with 17.7 seconds left in overtime, while DiGregorio converted two free throws for a four-point lead. Meralco still had a chance to tie the game but Gani Lawal missed a three-point shot.

Blackwater interim coach Aris Dimaunahan said: “I’m just happy that the players stuck together even though na nalamangan kami ng Meralco which is a very strong team with very, very good coach. I have to give it to the players for sticking to the game plan. Even though we were down, they stuck together and executed our offense.”

The scores:

BLACKWATER 94 – DiGregorio 21, Stepheson 21, Parks 20, Maliksi 12, Belo 6, Sumang 4, Sena 4, Dario 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Alolino 1, Cortez 0, Tratter 0, Javier 0.

MERALCO 91 – Lawal 34, Tolomia 11, Jackson 8, Pinto 7, Salva 5, Newsome 5, Hodge 4, Amer 4, Hugnatan 4, De Ocampo 4, Canaleta 3, Caram 2, Quinto 0, Espinas 0.

Quarterscores: 17-19, 37-42, 64-63, 85-85, 94-91.

PHOTO: PBA Images