In a thrilling start to the PBA Philippine Cup, Rey Nambatac showcased his talent and composure in his first game wearing a Blackwater uniform, guiding the Bossing to a narrow 96-93 victory over Meralco at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Traded from Rain or Shine just two weeks ago, Nambatac wasted no time making an impact, delivering a stellar performance with 27 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in helping Blackwater secure an early win in the conference.

Despite building a significant lead, the Bossing faced a determined Meralco squad that clawed its way back into the game, led by the hot shooting of Allein Maliksi. Maliksi’s late-game heroics cut the deficit to just four points, putting pressure on Blackwater to maintain its lead.

However, Nambatac remained composed under pressure, sinking crucial free throws to seal the victory for his team. His steady performance in the closing moments of the game demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, earning him praise from teammates and fans alike.

Alongside Nambatac, Troy Rosario contributed 15 points, while Rey Suerte and Tyrus Hill added 11 and 10 points, respectively. The debut of veteran player James Yap off the bench also provided a boost for Blackwater, as the team snapped a 10-game losing streak from the previous conference.

On the opposing side, Maliksi led Meralco’s charge with 27 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, while Chris Newsome chipped in 16 markers. Despite their efforts, Meralco fell just short of completing the comeback, as Blackwater held on for the hard-fought victory.