PBA: Mike DiGregorio’s hot hand helps Blackwater to first win

Mike DiGregorio. PBA IMAGES

Blackwater leaned on the torrid shooting of Mike DiGregorio to frustrate Rain or Shine and finally notch its first victory in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, 111-99, Wednesday night at Cuneta Astrodome.

DiGregorio shot 7-for-10 from downtown and finished as the Elite’s top scorer in their third outing in the All-Filipino conference.

Backing up DiGregorio was an equally heady performance from gunslinger Allein Maliksi, who finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

“Naka-isa rin, sa wakas,” said Elite head coach Bong Ramos.

“We were well-prepared [tonight]. And we executed the defense we wanted to play. I just told the players to do and trust the system,” he added.

James Yap figured as the Elasto Painters top dog anew, scattering 20 points. Maverick Ahanmisi and Rey Nambataa had 18 and 15 respectively.

Raymond Almazan finally suited up for Rain or Shine, but his presence was barely felt as he finished with only two points in a failed bid to keep the Elasto Painters’ unscathed.

“[The boys] really wanted to win tonight. We’re developing character,” Ramos said.

Blackwater improved to 1-2, while Rain or Shine dropped to 2-1.

The scores:

Blackwater 111 – Digregorio 27, Maliksi 23, Javier 16, Tratter 12, Belo 9, Desiderio 6, Sena 6, Sumang 4, Cortez 4, Palma 4, Alolino 0, Jose 0.

Rain or Shine 99 – Yap 20, Ahanmisi 18, Nambatac 15, Mocon 13, Daquioag 7, Ponferada 7, Torres 7, Belga 4, Maiquez 3, Borboran 3, Almazan 2, Norwood 0.

Quarters: 27-26, 46-53, 87-79, 111-99.