Rookie Mac Belo scored a team-high 17 points and the Blackwater Elite won their season opener, defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 94-87 on Wednesday (November 23).
Belo, the top overall pick in the draft, went 7-of-9 from the field and also grabbed 9 rebounds with to go with 2 assists in his PBA debut.
Sophomore forward Art Dela Cruz added 12 points to go with 10 rebounds, and 4 assists while Denok Miranda contributed in 11 markers for the Elite.
Simon Enciso scored a game-high 25 points for the Fuel Masters. Willy Wilson had a double-double outing of 10 points and 14 rebounds. Gelo Alolino, who also had a solid debut, contributed 11 points and 2 rebounds.
Final : 94 - 87 in favor of @BWEliteForce
— PBA (@pbaconnect) November 23, 2016
Best Player : @MarkBelo12 w/ 17pts & 9rebs #PBA2017 #WeArePBA pic.twitter.com/L5fZrHyByd
The Scores:
BLACKWATER 94 - Belo 17, Dela Cruz 12, Miranda 11, Ababou 9, Buenafe 8, Pinto 8, Forrester 7, Pascual 7, Sena 6, Aguilar 4, Banal 3, Cervantes 2.
PHOENIX 87 - Enciso 25, Intal 12, Alolino 11, Wilson W. 10, Borboran 6, Caperal 6, Wilson J. 5, Baguio 4, Lanete 4, Torres 4, Hayes 0, Miranda 0, Javillonar 0.
Quarter Scores: 27-23, 45-43, 71-69, 94-87 | Games Stats.
[Team Standings: 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup ]
Highlights: Blackwater vs. Phoenix Q1- Q4 | PBA Philippine Cup 2016 - 2017 (November 23, 2016)
(Video by Sports5 on YouTube)Full Video Replay (posted on YouTube):
1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter
Next Game of Elite and Fuel Masters:
- Blackwater vs. Meralco on November 27
- Phoenix vs. San Miguel on November 30