PBA D-League: Blackwater kicks off Foundation Cup by trouncing Pacific Pipes

Blackwater Sports opened the PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup with a bang, dispatching the RnW Pacific Pipes Steelmasters 88-67, in Tuesday’s conference opener at The Arena in San Juan.   The Elite outscored the Steelmasters, 28-6, in the second quarter and never relinquished that big lead, posting a 49-22 score at the half.   Blackwater Sports even led by 40 points, 73-33, in the late goings of the third period. “We actually had a bad start because I was expecting the players to really go into the game with a lot of confidence. But the players responded when I woke them up,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.   Blackwater scored 12 unanswered points before RnW Pacific Pipes pumped in three to end the first period with a 21-13 lead.   Then came Blackwater’s second quarter spree where they led by 27 points at the turn.

  Gio Ciriacruz led Blackwater’s balanced scoring attack with 16 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. AJ Mandani had 15 points and Robby Celiz chipped in 14 points.   Isaac downplayed Blackwater Sports’ auspicious start this conference.   “There are still some loopholes in the team and we are going to improve on that. All I ask for my team is their commitment,” said Isaac.   RnW Pacific Pipes coach Pido Jarencio lost in his return to the D-League after taking over from Topex Robinson, who is now the team’s consultant. – AMD, GMA News   The scores:   Blackwater Sports 88 – Ciriacruz 16, Mandani 15, Celiz 14, Zamar 13, Nabong 11, Ignacio 9, Pascual 6, Fortuna 2, Jeffries 2, Montemayor 0, Baustista 0, Afuang 0.   Pacific Pipes 67 – Sanvictores 13, Rogado 11, Ilagan 11, Colina 7, Buensuceso 7, Antonio 6, Elinon 4, Teng 3, Acidre 3, Bustos 2, Pe 0, Mariano 0.   Quarter scoring: 21-16; 49-22; 73-38; 88-67