Games today:

(Ynares Center-Montalban)

5:15 p.m. — Titan Ultra vs Converge

7:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Meralco

Blackwater got off to a good start by pounding the ball down low to stop Terrafirma in its tracks, 107-87, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center-Montalban.

Forward Christian David had a field day bullying his way underneath for high percentage shots and finished with 24 points to pace the Bossing, who spoiled the debut of new Dyip head coach Ronald Tubid.

David, who shot 8-of-17 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line while plucking seven rebounds, set the tone for Blackwater’s domination by pouring 14 points in the first quarter.

“It’s a really big game for us especially to set the tone for the rest of the conference. We played really well as a team, it’s a total team effort so we’re happy,” David said.

Blackwater tallied 38 points in the paint to complement its 38 points from long range off 10-of-28 three-point shooting and 2-of-3 four-pointers.

The Bossing, who had a slow start after trailing, 4-10, erected its biggest lead of the ball game at 23 when Richard Escoto nailed a three-pointer for a 79-56 count in the last 1:14 of the third quarter.

Blackwater’s separation was enough to cushion Terrafirma’s repeated attempt to make a significant dent on the Bossing’s lead.

“Of course, we’re very happy we got the job done today. Honestly, you always want to start on a good note and today was a good first step,” Bossing head coach Jeff Cariaso said.

“There’s still lots to learn, lots to improve on but we’re happy we’re able to do enough tonight to get the win.”

RK Ilagan took over David’s scoring role by dropping 13 of his 22 points in the final period before ending his night with a double-double after pulling down 10 boards.

He also had four steals and three assists in a productive 26 minutes of action for Blackwater.

Bossing rookie Dalph Panopia also made a rousing introduction with a full stat line of 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block off the bench.

“It’s a great feeling we won and I want to appreciate the coaches and my teammates for helping and being together in working this out,” the third overall pick in the recent Draft said.

“But we can’t be satisfied with this win. We have to keep working and be hungry in the next games.”

Blackwater fought off Terrafirma’s scorching 11-0 rally in the closing juncture of the first half that cut its 15-point lead to just four, 42-46, after a Jerrick Ahanmisi trey with 40 seconds left.