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MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater climbed out of an early hole and held off NorthPort, 96-89, to give its new head coach Nash Racela a winning debut in the Philippine Cup Monday at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Pampanga.
The Elite, who trailed by as many as 11 early, battled back and put up a double-digit lead of their own before digging deep down the stretch to overcome a late push by the Batang Pier.
Blackwater had six players with at least eight points led by Don Trollano and Roi Sumang, who scored 17 points apiece.
Mac Belo added 16 points and six rebounds while Ed Daquioag chipped in with 13 points, including a layup off a steal by Sumang with 29.2 ticks to go to seal the game.
Christian Standhardinger and Sean Anthony did the heavy lifting for the Batang Pier, combining for 55 points, 23 rebounds and 12 assists.
But their efforts were still not enough as NorthPort faltered when it mattered most.