Blackwater Elite rookie Almond Vosotros. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
PENANG, Malaysia—Blackwater came through with a flurry of three-point shots from its bench players in the second quarter and rolled past Thailand Pea Basketball Club, 89-76, in the 2016 Penang Chief Minister Cup International Basketball Invitational Championships Saturday at Han Chiang Indoor Stadium.
Raphael Reyes, Juami Tiongson and rookie Almond Vosotros combined for seven triples to push the Elite away from a tight contest for a 57-39 halftime lead.
Reyes led the PBA team with 16 points, while Lastimosa and Bambam Gamalinda chipped in 14 and 13, respectively, as the Elite chalked up their second win in as many outings.
But the Elite need to play a lot tougher if they want to upset powerhouse Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank of China which they were playing at press time.
“I believe the Chinese is the strongest team here,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac, noting Zhejiang’s tall front court.
The scores:
BLACKWATER 89—Reyes 16, Lastimosa, 14, Gamalinda 13, Dela Cruz 8, Golla 7, Pascual 6, Tiongson 6, Canada 6, Mellano 6, Vosotros 3, Bulawan 2, Sena 2.
THAILAND PEA 76—Austin 27, Tanai 13, Nutchapong 13, Athiwat 12, Supanat 7, Arnon 2, Moolwong 2, Eaktanat 0.
Quarters: 23-22, 57-39, 73-57, 89-76