Blackwater woke up just in time to fend off Terrafirma’s valiant stand, 97-82, snapping a six-game losing streak in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
In a battle fueled by pride, the trio of Sedrick Barefield, BJ Andrade, and Troy Maliliin delivered the finishing blows to lift the Bossing to a 2-8 record while handing the Dyip their 10th consecutive loss.
After enduring a string of heartbreaks, Blackwater now has a chance to end its Philippine Cup campaign on a high note when it faces the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, July 13, at the same venue.
“When they were making a run, one thing about Terrafirma is they never stop fighting, so that’s much respect to their team. But Sedrick and CD [Christian David] were hitting big shots. When they were coming close, they were there to save us tonight,” said Blackwater head coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
(C) PBA Images
A triple from the returning Terrence Romeo trimmed the deficit to just seven, 84-77, in the fourth quarter, but back-to-back three-pointers from Maliliin and Barefield, followed by a four-point play from Andrade, pushed Blackwater ahead, 95-77, with 4:11 left—effectively sealing the win.
While the clutch shots from Barefield and company proved pivotal, it was also the emergence of Christian David and Richard Escoto that played a crucial role in the Bossing’s second win of the conference. Escoto exploded for 21 points—all in the first half—along with four rebounds. David, meanwhile, delivered a double-double performance with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting, 12 rebounds, and four assists.
Barefield and RK Ilagan added 12 points apiece, while Andrade rounded out the double-digit scorers for Blackwater with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
The victory marked Blackwater’s first in 44 days—dating back to their 120-98 rout of Northport last April 25—and simultaneously crushed Terrafirma’s hopes of closing what could be their final PBA season on a winning note.
Since joining the league in 2014, the Dyip may have played their last game in the PBA. The team reached a mutual agreement in late April with the Zamboanga Valientes, who are set to take over their franchise. Backed by owner Junnie Navarro, the Valientes are expected to debut in the PBA by October, pending the finalization of the acquisition.
(C) PBA Images
If this indeed marked the Dyip’s swan song, they concluded their campaign with a disappointing 1-10 record—managing their lone win on opening day against fellow cellar-dweller Northport last April 4.
Louie Sangalang led all scorers with a game-high 24 points in a losing effort, while Stanley Pringle and Brent Paraiso each contributed 12 markers.
Making his return since April 12, Romeo provided a spark for Terrafirma with 10 points and two rebounds in 19 minutes and 37 seconds of action.
The Scores:
Blackwater 97 – Escoto 21, David 19, Barefield 12, Ilagan 12, Andrade 10, Guinto 8, Mallilin 6, Tratter 4, Mitchell 3, Chua 2, Casio 0, Ayonayon 0, Jopia 0
Terrafirma 82 – Sangalang 24, Pringle 12, Paraiso 12, Romeo 10, Nonoy 9, Hanapi 4, Catapusan 4, Ramos 7, Olivario, Zaldivar 0, Melecio 0, Hernandez, Ferrer 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 52-45, 71-61, 97-82
