MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater kicked off its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign with a masterful 131-108 demolition of Rain or Shine on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Import Kentrell Barkley, Sedrick Barefield and RK Ilagan led the Bossing’s blazing offensive as they stretched their 16-point halftime lead to as big as 34 en route to the wire-to-wire victory.
Barkley had a strong PBA debut to finish the game with a triple-double of 29 poy, 15 rebounds and 10 rebounds.
The American reinforcement topped his explosive debut with 5-of-7 threes.
Barefield added 24, Ilagan finished with 22, while rookie guard Dalph Panopio finished with 19 and seven rebounds.
James Una and Abu Tratter also chipped in 12 and 11, respectively in a balanced scoring attack.
Rain or Shine, which is coming off a seven-game semifinal series against eventual Commissioner’s Cup champion Ginebra, collected 38 points and 15 reby, while Adrian Nocum 17.
Meanwhile, Phoenix also got off to a flying start as it shoot down Magnolia, 98-86.
The Fuel Masters turned the tables against the Hotshots behind a 30-18 third quarter exchange, allowing them to overhaul a slim four-point halftime deficit.
Robert Johnson III led Phoenix with 34 points, Jason Perkins added 23 while Tyler Tio chipped in 11.
Zavier Lucero led the Hotshots with 20 points, import KJ Buffen had a quiet PBA debut of just 15.
Jerom Lastimosa added 13 markers.
