Blackwater in win column

MANILA, Philippines — Whipping up a second-half storm, Blackwater blew past NorthPort, 120-98, to finally break through in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bossing came out of the halftime huddle with guns on full auto mode, seizing control with a 40-27 bombardment in the third then bringing the coveted W home after a 0-2 start with a 32-24 closeout.

Coach Jeff Cariaso drew double-digit outputs from six of his charges led by Sedrick Barefield with 20 spiked by five triples and Christian David with 19 to get it done after blowout losses to Magnolia, 84-106, and Converge, 80-111.

RK Ilagan shot 17, helping Blackwater stay safely ahead with his 11-point barrage in the fourth, to complement Barefield and David as Richard Escoto (15), BJ Andrade (14) and Troy Mallillin (10) did their share, too.

“We got our butts kicked in the first two games so what we did in our 12-day break between games was continue to work hard, push more and get better. And today it showed,” said Cariaso.

Later, San Miguel Beer dominated Barangay Ginebra, 104-93, to get back on track and regain solo second at 3-1. The Gin Kings slipped to 1-1.