PBA: Blackwater beats Columbian, stays unbeaten

Blackwater played an all-around game to keep its unbeaten record after defeating Columbian, 118-110, last May 26 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Alex Stepheson had 26 points and 21 rebounds, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. contributed 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals for the Elite as they have now started the Commissioner’s Cup with a 3-0 record.

Mac Belo and Allein Maliksi had 19 points each, and Roi Sumang collected 11 points for Blackwater as it followed up on its victories over Meralco and Barangay Ginebra early in the conference.

Blackwater coach Aris Dimaunahan was proud of his team for not playing relaxed against a Columbian squad that remained winless in three games.

“We know for a fact that Columbian can win games here. If you slack against them, they’ll going to step on you. Congratulations to our guys for not letting that happen,” said Dimaunahan.

Blackwater led, 83-74, after a big run in the third period to take command. The Elite also scored seven straight points on their way to a 113-105 lead, enough for them to secure the victory.

The scores:

BLACKWATER 118 – Stepheson 26, Parks 23, Belo 19, Maliksi 19, Sumang 11, DiGregorio 9, Tratter 5, Alolino 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Javier 2, Cortez 0, Banal 0, Dario 0, Sena 0.

COLUMBIAN 110 – Barone 21, McCarthy 20, Perez 17, Celda 10, Khobuntin 10, Camson 7, Cabrera 6, Escoto 6, Calvo 4, Faundo 4, Cahilig 3, Corpuz 2, Gabriel 0.

Quarterscores: 28-26, 57-54, 89-79, 118-110.

PHOTO: PBA Images