David, Ilagan power Blackwater past Terrafirma in strong PBA Philippine Cup debut

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Christian David attacks the Terrafirma defense during Blackwater’s PBA Philippine Cup debut. [PBA Images]

Christian David provided the early spark while RK Ilagan delivered the finishing touches as Blackwater opened its PBA Philippine Cup campaign with a 107-87 victory over Terrafirma on Friday, October 10, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

David scored 18 of his 24 points in the first half to give the Bossing control. Ilagan then took over in the final period, firing 13 of his 22 points to douse Terrafirma’s late rallies.

David, Ilagan lead Blackwater surge

“We’re very happy we were able to get the job done today. You want to always start on a good note and today was a good first step,” said Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso. “There’re still lots to learn, lots to improve on but we were happy we were able to do enough tonight to get the win.”

David added seven rebounds to his scoring outburst, while Ilagan, the smallest on the floor at 5-foot-7, pulled down a game-high 10 boards. Rookie Dalph Panopio contributed 13 points, six rebounds and four assists, and Abu Tratter chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds.

“I think it was really a good win for us tonight,” David said. “It was a total team effort. Everybody was ready, from the bench to the starters. It wasn’t the prettiest of wins but we stuck together and continued to execute so good game.”

Blackwater’s win came even with Sedrick Barefield sidelined due to tendonitis in his right shoulder.

“We thought he was gonna be ready tonight, but he’s not 100 percent so we felt like we wanted to be sure before he comes back,” Cariaso explained. “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘I will not play you, but if I need you I’ll call your name.’ So that’s what happened.”

Ilagan shuts down Terrafirma rally

David’s hot start built a 44-28 lead for Blackwater in the first half. The Bossing went into the break ahead, 50-42, then pushed the gap to 79-56 in the third.

Terrafirma managed to cut the deficit to 12 twice, the last at 97-85. Ilagan then responded with 10 straight points to make it 107-85 with 37 seconds remaining, sealing the win.

Jerrick Ahanmisi led Terrafirma with 25 points after scoring 18 in the first half. Paolo Hernandez tallied 22, while Mark Louie Sangalang added 12.