Blackwater dominates Terrafirma behind Christian David, RK Ilagan

Blackwater cruised past Terrafirma, 107-87, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Christian David led the charge for the Bossing with 24 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while RK Ilagan provided additional firepower with 22 points and 10 rebounds, along with four steals and three assists, helping ignite Blackwater’s campaign.

Leading 46-42 with 40 seconds left in the first half, Abu Tratter’s free throws and Troy Malilin’s jumper extended the lead to 50-42 at halftime.

Blackwater dominated from there, building a lead as big as 23, 79–56, with 1:14 left in the third quarter following a Richard Escoto triple.

Paolo Hernandez responded with a triple, then sank two free throws off a Cliff Jopia foul to end the third period with Terrafirma trailing 79–61.

In the final frame, Blackwater continued to control the game.

RK Ilagan sparked a personal 10–0 run late, capped by a four-point play that pushed the Bossing ahead 107-85, just before Louie Sangalang scored a layup to close the game for the Dyip.

Aside from David and Ilagan, rookie Dalph Panopio had an impressive debut with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, while Tratter chipped in eight points.

Jerrick Ahanmisi led Terrafirma with 25 points, while Hernandez and Sangalang contributed 19 and 12 points, respectively.

Scores:

Blackwater 107 – David 24, Ilagan 22, Panopio 13, Tratter 12, Mallilin 8, Mendoza 7, Andrade 6, Escoto 5, Dumont 5, Guinto 3, Murrell 2, Jopia 0, Zamar 0.

Terrafirma 87 – Ahanmisi 25, Hernandez 19, Sangalang 12, Bravo 9, Paraiso 8, Hanapi 4, Nonoy 4, Olivario 2, Zaldivar 2, Rivero 0, Bataller 0, Garcia 0.

Quarters: 30-26, 50-42, 79-61, 107-87.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News