Importless TNT survives Lastimosa's 39 to beat Blackwater

Carlo Lastimosa's 39 wasn't enough for Blackwater. KC Cruz

The TNT Tropang Texters disposed of the Blackwater Elite, 108-102, on Wednesday in the opening game of the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup. 

The defending champions came into the game with a handicap with import Ivan Johnson serving out a one-game suspension for fighting prior to the start of the tournament.

"Buti nakalusot ng walang import," said TNT coach Jong Uichico after the game. "Credit to the players maski walang import laban pa rin sila." 

Jayson Castro paced his squad with 22 points, while Ranidel De Ocampo had 20. Ryan Reyes also chipped in 16 as the Texters starting trio combined for a 20 of 39 shooting clip. Mo Tautuaa, meanwhile, led the bench with 16 points. 

TNT still led by 10 heading into the final five minutes, but Carlo Lastimosa led a late charge to cut the lead to one with 1:11 left. But in the final minute, the Texters found Castro and Larry Fonacier for a five-point swing to secure the victory. 

Carlo Lastimosa carried Blackwater with 39 points, while import Malcolm Rhett debuted with 16 points and seven boards in 45 minutes of play. Real Cervantes and Mike Cortez chilled in 15 and 14 points, respectively. 

The scores:

TROPANG TNT 108 - Castro 22, De Ocampo 20, Reyes R.16, Tautuaa 16, Williams 9, Rosser 8, Fonacier 7, Carey 6, Reyes J. 4, Ababou 0, Aban 0, Nuyles 0.

BLACKWATER 102 - Lastimosa 39, Rhett 16, Cervantes 15, Cortez 14, Dela Cruz 11, Reyes 3, Gamalinda 2, Golla 2, Bulawan 0, Canada 0, Erram 0, Tiongson 0.

Quarters: 29-26, 52-44, 83-72, 108-102