Import change factor in Blackwater’s blowout loss

MANILA, Philippines—Aris Dimaunahan had a lot on his plate in Blackwater’s 102-90 loss to Columbian in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Elite played with Aaron Fuller for the first time this conference with Marqus Blakely getting relegated as an injury replacement and this type of unfamiliarity, Dimaunahan said, contributed to the loss.

Columbian took early control of the game with a 28-18 lead in the first quarter, effectively leaving Blackwater in the rear-view mirror with the nearest the Elite could get was a three-point deficit, 62-59, midway through the third.

“Here in the PBA, it’s hard to play catch-up basketball. There are amazing players and we can’t give that kind of lead,” said Dimaunahan in Filipino Friday at Mall of Asia Arena. “That goes to show that we need to tighten up our game both on offense and defense.”

It was Fuller’s first game with the Elite after suffering a foot injury before the conference started, prompting Blackwater to bring in Blakely.

“It’s a big factor adjusting to Fuller,” said Dimaunahan of the dutiful import who finished 26 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 10-of-15 from the field.

“You won’t adjust to a team or a player overnight. Decisions have to be made, but this loss is on me because I didn’t prepare them the best way I can.”

As for the import situation, Dimaunahan said the management will decide on who will be Blackwater’s foreign reinforcement for the rest of the conference.

“As much as possible we want to be transparent with them so I talked to them already about the situation and they’re aware of what’s happening,” said Dimaunahan. “We’re just waiting for the final decision on who our import will be.”