Kia sweeps past Blackwater in PBA debut

MANILA, Philippines -  Manny Pacquiao punched his way to a triumphant debut as Kia playing coach while LA Revilla, dumped by Globalport last season, made a resounding PBA comeback as the Sorento hammered out a come-from-behind 80-66 victory over the Blackwater Elite in the opener of PBA Season 40 before a roaring, record 52,612 fans last night at the Philippine Arena.

Re-polishing his game in the D-League after just three games as a Batang Pier rookie last season, Revilla made a superlative performance with  23 points to carry Pacquiao and their team past the slightly favored Blackwater squad.

The Elite topped the Sorento, 88-77, during their tune-up match in Binan, Laguna a few days ago.

Rudy Lingganay and Hans Thiele, like Revilla, provided firepower off the bench, sparking a second-half charge after the slow start of Pacquiao, Virgil Buensuceso, Josh Webb, Reil Cervantes and Rich Alvarez.

Trailing by nine, 25-34, at the half, the Sorento turned the game around in pummeling the Elite, 38-17, in the third quarter.

Revilla, who made only a single basket in three games with Globalport last season, sparked Kia’s third-quarter charge with 2-of-2 triples and 4-of-5 twinners.

“We made the adjustments, and the result just happened,” said Revilla, backup to Jvee Casio and Simon Atkins during their time at La Salle.

“I just played my game and I was overwhelmed by the moment,” added Revilla, drifting with the Cagayan Rising Sun in the D-League after being cut at Globalport.

“The team just stayed positive even after our tentative start,” said Kia assistant coach Glenn Capacio.

“Sabog ang opensa namin at the start. We first made the adjustment on defense. When it clicked, our offense followed,” said their celebrated playing coach.

After a triumphant PBA debut, Pacquiao said he’ll now focus on his preparation for his coming fight with Chris Algieri. He said he’ll return to PBA play after the fight.

“No problem (with Kia) as our assistant coaches will be there. It’s okay with me even as I don’t play for as long as we keep on winning,” Pacquiao said.

In its maiden PBA game, Kia hit its strides with Pacquiao in the bench.

Paul Artadi, Sunday Salvacion, Alex Nuyles, Larry Rodriguez and JP Erram gave Blackwater an early double-digit lead at 18-8, and the Elite stayed in control until Revilla led Kia’s third-quarter siege.

Revilla also came through six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 21 minutes of action.

Cervantes and Thiele added 13 points apiece while Lingganay contributed 11.

Blackwater was paced by Erram and Juan Miguel Tiongson 10 each.

In its maiden PBA game, Kia hit its strides with Pacquiao in the bench.

Paul Artadi, Sunday Salvacion, Alex Nuyles, Larry Rodriguez and JP Erram gave Blackwater an early double-digit lead at 18-8, and the Elite stayed in control until Revilla led Kia’s third-quarter siege.

Barangay Ginebra, back from a long break after failing to make it past the Governors Cup quarterfinals, whipped Talk n Text, 101-81, in the other game.

Japeth Aguilar marked his comeback from Gilas Pilipinas with a double-double game with 18 points and the same number of rebounds while LA Tenorio came through with his own solid all-around numbers of 10 assists, seven rebounds, four points and three steals for the crowd favorites.

Revilla also had six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 21 minutes of action.

Cervantes and Thiele added 13 points apiece while Lingganay contributed 11.

Blackwater was paced by Erram and Juan Miguel Tiongson with 10 each.