Blackwater turned in a strong fourth-quarter showing to frustrate Phoenix Super LPG, 106-100, to lay its three-game losing skid to rest in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Bossing went on a 29-14 assault over the period, turning things around after finding themselves staring at an 86-77 deficit after three. The team eventually chalked up their third win of the conference while improving to 3-3.
“Very happy that we had this win,” said Coach Pat Aquino. “It’s a good start to the second round. Hopefully, we could push more and get some more wins.”
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Kentrell Barkley led the way with 34 points and 16 rebounds. Sedrick Barefield delivered 26 points, while RK Ilagan came through with 15 and six boards.
Barefield himself triggered the comeback, leading their 11-0 run to wipe out the aforementioned Fuel Masters lead and make it an 88-86 lead in their favor. Not long after, that lead would stretch to four points, 92-88, with 5:50 remaining on the clock as the star guard and Barkley scored one after the other.
Jason Perkins and Ricci Rivero managed to get Phoenix back into the game, but momentum had already shifted Blackwater’s way. Ilagan hit a three before the shot clock expired for the 95-93 lead with 3:25 to go.
Barefield and Troy Mallillin then came in to help, and soon, the crew would be enjoying a 103-93 lead with 53.2 seconds left, all but sealing the triumph.
“We knew we were better than how we performed in the last game,” said Barefield as they got revenge on the same team that just beat them, 93–102, and stretched their skid to three outings.
“And I kinda just wanted to be more aggressive and not settle as much, and I think we did a better job on that today,” the star guard added.
Aquino also received solid contributions from rookie James Una with eight points and 10 rebounds, as well as from Mallillin, who scored eight as well.
Blackwater will try to post another vengeful win when it battles the struggling Barangay Ginebra this Sunday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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BJ Johnson, on the other hand, finished with a career-high 45 points alongside seven rebounds to lead Phoenix. The team now shares the Group B lead with Rain or Shine, as both teams carry similar 4-2 records.
Interestingly, the Fuel Masters and the Elasto Painters have a rematch this Sunday as well, serving as the opening act of the twinbill at NAS.
Rivero registered 15 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while forward Kai Ballungay chipped in 12 markers and nine boards in the defeat.
The Scores:
Blackwater 106 – Barkley 34, Barefield 26, Ilagan 15, Una 8, Mallilin 8, Tratter 7, Austria 6, Demusis 2, Mendoza 0, Panopio 0, Dumont 0, Escoto 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 100 – Johnson 45, Rivero 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 7, Perkins 5, Santos 5, Mamuyac 4, Tio 3, Chua 2, Delos Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 30-32, 62-59, 77-86, 106-100.
