BLACKWATER Bossing opened their campaign in style, outplaying the Converge FiberXers, 103-84, in the 48th season of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Led by Puerto Rican import Chris Ortiz, the Bossing established their biggest lead at 70-44 in the third period following a crippling 24-4 run with 6:39 minutes remaining.

And although Converge came to within 16 points at 61-77 early in the final period, the Bossing made another furious scoring run to establish a 27-point lead at 91-64.

Ortiz, led Blackwater to victory with 21 points on 10-of-26 shooting, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks for coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

The 50-year-old former player-turned-coach said he was harboring no ill-feelings about the matchup.

“I think it’s one of those first games that we wanted to, you know, get under your belt a little bit,” said Cariaso, who wad given the pink slip by Converge only last April

“Despite who that first game was, it was very important that we come out on a positive note and I think the guys did that tonight,” added Cariaso.

“I’ve always imagined Chris Ortiz playing the way he did tonight and what I mean is him being versatile. Me, personally, I’ve never had an import that’s as versatile as he is where he can score from pretty much any place on the court.”

“So him being my first import to have that kind of skills… it gives us a variety of things we could do, so we’re happy with his first-day performance.”

Jvee Casio added 15 points and four rebounds, Mike Ayonayon had 13 points and six rebounds, and Rey Suerte contributed with 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Troy Rosario and Tyrus Hill added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Bossing.

Converge import Thomas Vodanovich finished with a double-double of 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting and 18 rebounds.

Mac Tallo added 15 points in a losing effort.

Alec Stockton and Justine Arana chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, for coach Aldin Ayo”s team.

Meanwhile, the PBA returns at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday with Terrafirm Dyip taking on NorthPort Batang Pier at 4 p.m. and NLEX Road Warriors battling Phoenix Super LPG at 8 p.m.

Terrafirma will parade Thomas Hugo de Thaey, a 6-8 center from Belgium, while NorthPort will field Jois Venkatesha, a 6-8 forward from Melbourne, Australia. as their imports.

The scores:

Blackwater (103) – Ortiz 21, Casio 15, Ayonayon 13, Suerte 12, Rosario 11, Hill 10, Guinto 9, Escoto 3, David 3, Banal 3, DiGregorio 1
Converge (84) – Vodanovich 20, Tallo 15, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Balanza 10, Winston 9, Nieto 4, Melecio 0, Racal 0
Quarterscores: 27-18, 50-40, 75-55, 103-84

Games Friday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Terrafirma vs. NorthPort
8 p.m.– NLEX vs.Phoenix