Lastimosa’s career game spoiled after Blackwater loss to TNT

MANILA, Philippines – A career game of 39 points from Carlo Lastimosa proved insufficient for Blackwater Elite to escape with what could have been the franchise’s first opening day victory in its young PBA history on Wednesday, February 10. 

Lastimosa carried Blackwater on his back as he surpassed his previous 38-point record almost exactly two months ago. The 25-year-old guard knocked down 4-of-7 triples and went 9-of-10 from the free throw line and also collected 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes. 

But the 6-foot guard’s gargantuan effort was for naught after Blackwater fell short of completing a comeback, 108-102, against defending champion Tropang TNT. 

“Sayang lang kasi TNT ang kalaban, wala pa silang import. Veterans na yung players nila. Sayang talaga (It’s unfortunate because it was against TNT and they had no import. They have veteran players. It’s really unfortunate),” Lastimosa rued, emphasizing he’d rather score just 5 points if it would result in a win.

“We lacked aggressiveness in the first quarter. Maybe our import is still adjusting,” he added in Filipino. 

The Elite, who had a breakthrough last conference as they made it to the playoffs for the first time, rallied from 14 points down in the fourth and trailed just 103-102 with over a minute to go. Jayson Castro thwarted Blackwater’s upset attempt with the dagger 3-pointer off an isolation play for his lone basket in the second half. 

Lastimosa, a former NCAA Rookie of the Year and College of St. Benilde standout, has taken on a more prominent role in Blackwater’s offense as a starter since he arrived from Barako Bull (now Phoenix) before the current season. 

He normed 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in the Philippine Cup where he last notched a career game. 

“My teammates keep looking for me,” he said. “They saw that I was heating up. Good thing they gave me the ball and I was able to knock them down. If I didn’t make those shots we probably would have been blown out.” 

TNT scored the victory without import Ivan Johnson and rookie Troy Rosario, who are suspended and injured, respectively. But the Tropa had a bright spot in comebacking veteran Ranidel De Ocampo. 

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Blackwater import MJ Rhett debuted with just 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 turnovers as he found himself surprised by the PBA’s physicality. 

“The fouls are way different out here to me cause you can’t touch and you can’t arm bar anymore and I’m so used to doing that so I gotta adjust and make something happen so we  can get some wins and get us started,” said Rhett, who played at University of Mississippi.

“That game right there was the most dismal I’ve ever played in my life, being that I’m a rookie, playing like this league, we play 12 minute quarters. Coming from the other league I only play 10 minute quarters, it’s different. I’m gonna adjust. I’m gonna bounce back.” – Rappler.com

– Rappler.com