![Chris Ortiz Blackwater PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/PBA-Images15-1-620x413.jpg)
Blackwater imports Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater got an all-round effort from import Chris Ortiz to claim a 103-84 defeat of Converge on Wednesday in the two teams’ first engagements in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ortiz had 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks as the Bossing gave new coach Jeffrey Cariaso a win in his first game on the sidelines for the team looking to emerge from its dismal situation.
Jvee Casio, Rey Suerte, Mike Ayonayon, Troy Rosario and Tyrus Hill also put in performances in the match where Blackwater led by a maximum of 27.
Casio was the local top scorer with 15 points, while Suerte was named Player of the Game with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
![King Luck Blackwater PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/PBA-Images18-620x413.jpg)
Blackwater guard Rey Suerte.–PBA IMAGES
The Bossing can only hope that the good start would work wonders for the team that had won just four of 23 games in the last two conferences last season.
Cariaso prevailed at the expense of the FiberXers, the team he managed in the 2022 Philippine Cup before being let go.
Converge overcame a first-quarter deficit to take a slim lead, but faltered as Ortiz led the pack with his ability to intercept passes and score key baskets.
Import Tom Vodanovich top-scored for Converge with 20 points while grabbing 18 rebounds in the loss.
The FiberXers received 15 points, most of which came when the result was almost final, from Mac Tallo, who was finally released from his former team NLEX.
Rookie Schonny Winston had nine points on 3-of-13 shooting in his first appearance for Converge.
The scores:
BLACKWATER 103 – Ortiz 21, Casio 15, Add 13, Luck 12, Rosary 11, Hill 10, Guinto 9, Escoto 3, David 3, Banal 3, McCarthy 2, Sena 0.
CONVERGE 84 – Vodanovich 20, Stam 15, Stockton 14, Spider 12, Scale 10, Winston 9, Grandson 4, Ebona 0, Virgo Mountain 0, Melecio 0, Racal 0, Ambohot 0, Saints 0
Quarters: 17-18, 50-40, 75-55, 103-84.