Blackwater breaks through win column after slipping past Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines – Henry Walker had a game-high 32 points to power the Blackwater Elite to their first win of the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, August 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elite finally had a breakthrough in their fourth game of the conference, slipping past the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 92-86.

“Finally we were able to get a win,” said a relieved coach Leo Isaac after the game. “Special thanks to our new import Mr. Henry Walker who gave the inspiration to the others to win. Last few minutes he was complaining of cramps (but) he was challenging his teammates to be on top of the situation.”

Walke, who played for Alaska in the past, also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 5 assists but also had 7 turnovers in the win that now leaves only the Aces and the KIA Picanto – both with 0-4 records – as the only teams without a victory.

Mike Digregorio added 28 points, with 10 in the final frame, on 9-of-19 shooting from the field to help Walker a bit with the scoring load. He also sealed the win with a pair of free throws in the final seconds.

Phoenix had 5 players in double figures but still could not eke out what could have been the team’s third win and instead they fell to a 2-3 record and a third straight loss.

RJ Jazul and import Eugene Phelps split 26 points between them. Those 13 points were a PBA career low for import Phelps as he shot 5-of-13 from the field ni 40 minutes. He had 17 rebounds and 3 blocks in a losing cause.

Mark Borboran and Willy Wilson had 12 and 11 points, respectively, while guard Gelo Alolino settled for 10 points.

Scores: 

Blackwater (92): Walker 32, Digregorio 28, Gamalinda 9, Canaleta 5, Aguilar 5, Erram 4, Cruz 3, Miranda 3, Sumang 3, Belo 0, Banal 0, Cervantes 0, Sena 0, Pascual 0. 

Phoenix (86): Phelps 13, Jazul 13, Borboran 12, W. Wilson 11, Alolino 10, Baguio 8, Intal 8, Eriobu 7, Dehesa 2, Kramer 2, Lanete 0, J. Wilson 0.

Quarter scores: 23-32, 51-47, 66-66, 92-86.

– Rappler.com