Blackwater import Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Blackwater got an all-around effort from import Chris Ortiz to claim a 103-84 rout of Converge on Wednesday in the two teams’ initial assignments in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ortiz had 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks as the Bossing gave new coach Jeffrey Cariaso a victory in his first game on the sidelines for the team looking to get out of its dismal ways.
Jvee Casio, Rey Suerte, Mike Ayonayon, Troy Rosario and Tyrus Hill also delivered in the game that saw Blackwater lead by a high of 27.
Casio was the top local scorer with 15 points while Suerte was hailed Player of the Game with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Blackwater guard Rey Suerte.–PBA IMAGES
The Bossing can only hope that the good start would spell wonders for the team that had won just four of 23 games in the final two conferences last season.
Cariaso prevailed at the expense of the FiberXers, the team he handled in the 2022 Philippine Cup before being let go.
Converge was able to overcome a first quarter deficit to take a slim lead, only to falter when Ortiz led the breakaway with his ability to intercept passes and score key baskets.
Import Tom Vodanovich topscored for Converge with 20 points while grabbing 18 rebounds in the defeat.
The FiberXers got 15 points, the majority came when the outcome was virtually settled, from Mac Tallo, who finally got his release from his former team NLEX.
Rookie Schonny Winston had nine points on 3-of-13 shooting in his first appearance for Converge.
The scores:
BLACKWATER 103—Ortiz 21, Casio 15, Ayonayon 13, Suerte 12, Rosario 11, Hill 10, Guinto 9, Escoto 3, David 3, Banal 3, McCarthy 2, Sena 0.
CONVERGE 84—Vodanovich 20, Tallo 15, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Balanza 10, Winston 9, Nieto 4, Ebona 0, Maagdenberg 0, Melecio 0, Racal 0, Ambohot 0, Santos 0
Quarters: 17-18, 50-40, 75-55, 103-84.