Blackwater makes NorthPort go south in bubble debut

Blackwater Elite spoiled NorthPort Batang Pier's hot start, 96-89, in their first meeting at the elimination round of the PBA Philippine Cup on Monday in Pampanga.

NorthPort led 47-38 at halftime, but Blackwater turned the tables with a 41-point explosion in the third quarter against Batang Pier's 18 markers.

Elite's 79-65 advantage heading into the final period proved too much to close for NorthPort, though they threatened to make a comeback after trimming the cushion to 93-89 in the endgame.

But Ed Daquioag hit the dagger with 28 ticks left, sealing Blackwater's first victory under new head coach Nash Racela.

Blackwater will play Ginebra while NorthPort will face Phoenix on Thursday.

Box score:

Blackwater 96 — Trollano 17, Sumang 17, Belo 16, Daquioag 13, Magat 8, Tolomia 8, Desiderio 4, Canaleta 3, Salem 3, Dennison 3, Golla 2, Shaw 2, Dario 0, Gabriel 0.

NorthPort 89 — Standhardinger 23, Anthony 22, Lanete 14, Elorde 7, Nabong 7, Taha 5, Ferrer 3, Manganti 3, Subido 3, Cruz 2. —MGP, GMA News