Blackwater makes historic playoffs march in PBA

MANILA, Philippines -- Blackwater Elite clinched their first playoffs appearance in franchise history after surviving fellow expansion team Mahindra Enforcers, 108-99, at the end of the elimination round of the 2015 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Mike Cortez scored the Elite's final eight points including a turnaround jumper that gave them a seven-point cushion enough to weather the storm whipped up by Mahindra.

The win sent Blackwater into its first ever quarterfinals in four conferences in the league and will face third seed Rain or Shine, which holds a twice-to-beat edge. 

The Enforcers did not go down without a fight. Led by LA Revilla, they cut the once-imposing 20-point lead, 86-66, by the Elite to just five. But Cortez answered with a turnaround jumper after almost losing the ball. 

Revilla answered quickly with a basket and forced Cortez to a turnover on a five-second inbound violation. Revilla though missed a long three-pointer in the next play allowing Blackwater to escape with the win. 

Best Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/9AKGzq1dTx

— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 20, 2015