MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATED) Former UAAP Most Valuable Player Mac Belo had a breakout PBA debut on Wednesday as he led Blackwater to a 94-87 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Belo, who was selected by the Elite in the PBA special draft for Gilas Cadets, had 17 points on top of his nine rounds for Blackwater, which had its first opening-game win since joining the league two years ago.
Belo also got able backing from Art dela Cruz and Denok Miranda. Dela Cruz tallied 12 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Miranda added 11 markers.
“Like I've said, we have new players, players that we really wanted. With renewed energy, we hope all the excitement must be converted to Ws.”
Isaac praised Belo, boasting that the former FEU Tamaraw has only showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of and that the best of their prized rookie is yet to come.
“May potential 'yung bata,” said the Elite coach. “But coaches have to step in, may maliliit siyang pagkakamali.”
“Para ‘yung mga tools n’ya masharpen. Then he'll turn out the player he's projected to be.”
Isaac said the same goes with their other new recruits.
“We want them to learn basic basketball, not the fancy stuff. From there on that's the time they can show their skills,” added the former Ginebra player.
Belo’s trigger from the right-corner pushed Blackwater ahead, 87-80, with barely two minutes to go but Simon Enciso responded with a triple to keep the Fuel Masters fighting.
Miranda and John Pinto were then able to sink in crucial free throws to fend off Phoenix.
Enciso finished with 25 points for the Fuel masters.
The Elite now joins San Miguel Beer at the top of the standings with a 1-0 record.
Box 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.
Quarter scores: 27-23, 45-43, 71-69, 94-87
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