The Blackwater Elite’s chances of entering the 2018 Philippine Cup playoffs have just received new hope, as they escaped the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a down-the-wire affair, 83-78, Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite improve to 5-6 and, for now, are currently eighth in the standings. The Fuel Masters, meanwhile, dropped to 4-6 and are tied with the TNT Katropa and Meralco Bolts.
“I challenged my players to prove themselves,” said a relieved Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac. “I told them stories how players before were able to overcome such circumstances and ended up winning.
“I don’t know the scenarios with regards to team standings, but we’re hoping na five wins that we have are good enough for a spot in the playoffs. Or maybe the team standings become complicated, it would favor us,” he added.
Mike DiGregorio, Mac Belo, and Raymar Jose each had 14 points in the win. Roi Sumang and Poy Erram chipped in 12 markers apiece, with the latter adding a game-high 19 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks to his name.
After a tight sequence early in the payoff period, the Elite gained leverage with five minutes remaining, turning a 74-75 deficit to an 80-75 edge with 2:03 on the clock, all thanks to the troika of Erram, Pinto, and Di Gregorio.
The Fuel Masters still tried to chop down the gap afterwards behind Gelo Alolino and Jeff Chan, but the former’s turnover in the 1:03 mark and the latter’s three-pointer — that got smothered by Erram — shut down their comeback aspirations.
“I would just like to commend all the players who gave their best. I won’t mention names but it’s a team effort. We’re looking forward to playing more games this conference,” added the veteran bench strategist on the win.
Jason Perkins had 17 points and six rebounds to lead Phoenix, who are missing the services of gunner Matthew Wright due to his Gilas Pilipinas duties. Chan supplied 13 markers, eight assists, and three caroms.
RJ Jazul had 13 points as well. Doug Kramer finished with 11 points and 13 boards, and Alolino supplied 10 markers.
Phoenix will look to keep their hopes up against the GlobalPort Batang Pier on March 2, Friday, 4:30 PM still at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Blackwater 83 – DiGregorio 14, Belo 14, Jose 14, Sumang 12, Erram 12, Pinto 5, Sena 4, Palma 4, Cortez 3, Cruz 1, Javier 0, Banal 0, Marcelo 0, Neypes 0
Phoenix 78 – Perkins 17, Jazul 13, Chan 13, Kramer 11, Alolino 10, Chua 6, Mendoza 6, Dehesa 2, Intal 0, Wilson 0, Eriobu 0, Guevarra 0, Cortes 0
Quarterscores: 14-19, 40-41, 65-65, 83-78
