Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Rey Nambatac wasted no time in proving that Blackwater made the right choice in acquiring him.
The newest Bossing made immediate impact in his first game, orchestrating Blackwater’s second half assault to pull the rug from under the Meralco Bolts, 96-93, in the opening game of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Nambatac showed that he still has the offensive prowess if given with enough minutes, hitting big shots and finding open teammates to finish with a double-double of 21 points and career-high 10 assists apart from his five rebounds.
The Letran standout was more active particularly in the final frame when he set up Troy Rosario and fellow new Bossing James Yap for a pair of triples before making his own stride with timely hits down the stretch to fend off a late Bolts fightback.
Nambatac also shot a perfect 12-of-12 clip from the charity stripe – none bigger than the last two which he coolly sank to give the Bossing the three point cushion with 19.5 seconds left.
The Bossing held on in the final possession with Nambatac also getting the defensive rebound that not only allowed Blackwater to open the all-Filipino conference with a win but more importantly snap a 10-game losing streak which began in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Rosario also provided support with 15 points built on three triples while Rey Suerte and Tyrus Hill added 11 and 10, respectively. Yap only finished with five points but had a crucial triple in the final frame that helped Blackwater build a huge 19-point lead.
The advantage also proved to be enough to weather the hot hands of Allein Maliksi who poured 20 of his 27 points in the final frame as the Bolts suddenly came within one, 94-93, with 57 seconds left.
Chris Newsome also had an all-around effort of 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists – all of which also went down the drain after Meralco failed to convert in the final possession. — Reynald I. Magallon
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
