MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater did not need an extra period this time to remain unbeaten as it pulled off a 118-110 win over Columbian in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, May 26.

Kicking off the conference with back-to-back overtime victories, the Elite finished the job in regulation behind Alex Stepheson and Ray Parks to improve to 3-0 and keep the Dyip winless in 3 games.

Stepheson dominated in the paint with 26 points, 21 rebounds, and 7 blocks, while Parks finished with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals as Blackwater claimed an early lead in the standings.

Columbian was well within striking distance, trailing 105-106 with less than 4 minutes left until Stepheson, Parks and Mac Belo conjoined for the 10-0 run that secured the win for their side. 

Stepheson scored 5 straight points, Parks nailed both of his free throws before Belo delivered the dagger with a three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining.

Belo chalked up 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals off the bench, Allein Maliksi added another 19 points, while Roi Sumang added 11 points and 3 steals in the win. 

Kyle Barone continued to lead the way for Columbian with 21 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, but his effort so far has not translated into a win.

Rashawn McCarthy added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, CJ Perez had 17 points and 7 rebounds, and Glenn Khobuntin and Reden Celda added 10 apiece in the losing effort. 

The Scores

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

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

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

– Rappler.com