Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Blackwater Elite started the PBA season on the right foot as they dislodged the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 94-87, on Wednesday evening at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
This year’s top draft pick Mac Belo proved to everyone that he is as good as advertised after he led the way for the Elite with 17 points via 7-of-9 shooting and nine rebounds.
Blackwater held off a late stand from the Fuel Masters to capture its first opening game win in their three-year stint in the league.
Art dela Cruz also had an all-around outing for the Elite with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
Simon Enciso paced Phoenix with 25 points – converting seven three-pointers in a losing effort.
JC Intal added 12 points and rookie Gelo Alolino tallied 11 points in his PBA debut.
The scores:
Blackwater (94) – Belo 17, Dela Cruz 12, Miranda 11, Ababou 9, Buenafe 8, Pinto 8, Forrester 7, Pascual 7, Sena 6, Aguilar 4, Banal 3, Cervantes 2
Phoenix (87) – Enciso 25, Intal 12, Alolino 11, Wilson W. 10, Borboran 6, Caperal 6, Wilson J. 5, Baguio 4, Lanete 4, Torres 4, Hayes 0, Miranda 0, Javillonar 0
Quarterscores: 27-23, 45-43, 71-69, 94-87.
