MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater built momentum in the third period and played tough all the way to the finish as it waylaid GlobalPort, 99-91, to grab second place behind titleholder San Miguel Beer (4-1) in the PBA Philippine Cup at The Arena in San Juan on Wednesday night.
Mac Belo, John Pinto, Arthur dela Cruz and Ronjay Buenafe delivered the goods for the Elite, who improved to 4-2 and inched ahead of the Batang Pier, the Alaska Milk Aces, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the TNT KaTropa Texters who were left at joint third at 3-2.
Before this tourney, Blackwater had never chalked up more than three wins in any conference it has played in the pro league.
The scores:
Blackwater 99 - Belo 20, Pinto 15, Buenafe 11, Dela Cruz 13, Sumang 9, Aguilar 7, Banal 5, Cervantes 5, Forrester 4, Sena 4, Pascual 2, Ababou 2, Miranda 2.
GlobalPort 91 - Romeo 22, Pringle 14, Quinahan 12, Canaleta 11, Cortez 10, Pessumal 10, Pennisi 5, Mamaril 5, Banal 2, Maierhofer 0, Urbiztondo 0, Paredes 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 48-47, 77-67, 99-91