Ilagan sparks Bossing in return as Blackwater routs Rain or Shine

RK Ilagan wasted no time making his presence felt, returning from injury with a stellar performance to lead Blackwater to a dominant 131-108 victory over Rain or Shine in its Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup opener on Saturday at Ynares Center II in Montalban.

Playing his first game since April 8 after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the Commissioner's Cup, Ilagan finished with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, including three three-pointers. He also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The explosive guard played a key role in Blackwater's decisive second-quarter run, helping the Bossing turn a tight contest into a commanding 72-56 halftime lead before pulling away for the convincing win.

Head coach Pat Aquino credited his team's all-around effort while acknowledging the extra motivation of avenging the franchise's 151-95 loss to Rain or Shine in the previous conference—a defeat that ultimately led to a coaching change.

"That game was in the back of our minds, but it's already in the past," Aquino said. "Our focus was preparing well, especially knowing how Coach Yeng runs Rain or Shine. We want to emulate the good things they've been doing."

Import Kentrell Barkley enjoyed a memorable PBA debut, posting a triple-double of 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was the first triple-double by a Blackwater player since Cameron Krutwig achieved the feat during the 2022-23 Commissioner's Cup.

Sedrick Barefield added 24 points, while rookie Dalph Panopio contributed 19. James Una and Abu Tratter chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, as six Bossing players finished in double figures.

"I'm just happy everybody stepped up and played with the mindset of winning. They never gave up, and hopefully this strong start carries over to the rest of the conference," Aquino added.

Rain or Shine drew 38 points and 15 rebounds from returning import Aaron Fuller, while Adrian Nocum scored 17 points and Gian Mamuyac added 12. No other Elasto Painter reached double figures.

The loss was Rain or Shine's most lopsided defeat since a 114-90 setback to Barangay Ginebra during the Commissioner's Cup eliminations last May.

Blackwater looks to sustain its momentum when it faces Magnolia on July 17 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Rain or Shine hopes to bounce back against Meralco on July 18 in Antipolo.