Belo shines in debut as Blackwater turns back Phoenix

Mac Belo debuts for Blackwater. PBA IMAGES

Mac Belo just missed a double-double in his PBA debut and Blackwater hung on to beat Phoenix, 94-87, for its best start in franchise history Wednesday in the 2017 Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Belo, the top overall pick in the draft, scored a team-high 17 points that went with nine rebounds for the Elite.

“Best start for Blackwater. Our best start in any conference,” said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac. “It’s a new season for us and as what I’ve said we have some new players, players that we really wanted in our lineup. we have renewed energy and renewed hope.”

“All the excitement must be converted into wins on actual games. We can’t be just excited. The excitement has to be translated to wins and that’s when the hard work begins,” he added.

Sophomore forward Art dela Cruz had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for Blackwater, which had never won an opening game before.

Second-year guard Simon Enciso erupted for 25 points on 7-of-12 3-pointers to pace the Fuel Masters, who missed the services of their rookie swingman Matthew Wright due to food poisoning.

The 23-year-old Belo went 7-of-9 from the field in close to 33 minutes of play.

Down by only five with still 40 seconds to go, Phoenix had two costly turnovers that resulted to a free throw by Nard Pinto and a dela Cruz basket for Blackwater.