Blackwater gets going

MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater showed Terrafirma who’s the boss in this battle of squads bent on getting out of the doldrums in the new season.

Sparked by the sniping of Christian David and the strong outings of RK Ilagan and rookie Dalph Panopio, the Bossing routed the Dyip, 107-87, for a bright start in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center-Montalban last night.

Taking the cudgels in the absence of Sedrick Barefield (shoulder injury), David fired 24 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals as Ilagan produced a 22-10 double-double with four steals and No. 3 rookie pick Panopio had 13 markers, six boards and four assists.

“You always want to start on a good note and today was a good first step,” said Bossing coach Jeff Cariaso, whose wards are out to improve from their 10-23 outing last season.

“There’s still lots to learn and lots to improve on but we’re happy that we’re able to do enough to get the win,” he added.

Later, last season’s runner-up TNT started the ball rolling with a 93-78 romp over Phoenix.

Comebacking Rey Nambatac (22-6), ace gunner Calvin Oftana (15-9) and pre-season signing Kevin Ferrer (12 points all from threes) showed the way for the Tropang 5G, who dropped a 48-36 bomb in the second half en route to the W.

The Bossing denied new Dyip mentor Ronald Tubid of a winning debut and spoiled the 25-point explosion of their trade acquisition Jerrick Ahanmisi. The Dyip are on the mend after a lowly 3-30 mark in Season 49.

David’s opening barrage of 14 enabled Blackwater to seize an early 24-15 cushion. And though Terrafirma managed to get to within manageable levels mostly behind Ahanmisi, Cariaso’s charges stayed in control then broke away for good with a 29-19 salvo in the third period.