Blackwater downs NLEX in PBA On Tour opener

The Blackwater Bossing defeated the NLEX Road Warriors, 93-88, in the opener of PBA On Tour, the league's preseason tournament, at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The Bossing led by as much as 18 points, 49-31, at the 1:32 mark of the second quarter, before the Road Warriors eventually cut their deficit to just three, 88-85, at the 2:30 mark of the final period.

Blackwater eventually regained a seven-point lead from shots by Joshua Torralba and freebies by RK Ilagan before Don Trollano drilled a triple to trim the lead to four, 92-88, with 25 seconds left. James Sena's split off a foul by Kris Rosales sealed the deal for Blackwater.

Mike Ayonayon had 16 points for Blackwater, while Rey Suerte added 14 points. Ilagan was an all-around player for Bossing as he tallied nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Don Trollano registered 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Sean Anthony was two boards shy of a double-double as he posted 18 points and eight rebounds.

The tourney returns on Wednesday as NorthPort takes on Meralco and Phoenix goes against San Miguel Beer at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

The scores:

Blackwater 93 - Ayonayon 16, Suerte 14, Ilagan 9, Sena 9, Torralba 8, Hill 8, Amer 5, Taha 5, Publico 4, Mccarthy 3, Banal 1.

NLEX 88 - Anthon 18, Trollano 15, Galanza 13, Fajardo 10, Alas 8, Rosales 7, Doliguez 5, Rangel 4, Gabo 3, Pascual 2, Celda 0.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News