Jvee Casio did shine the brightest in Blackwater’s stunner over TNT in its PBA Philippine Cup debut Thursday night, but didn’t take all the spotlight to himself.
The veteran guard deflected the credit to Baser Amer, even saying that he only followed the lead of his backcourt partner. This, especially in the game’s final moments, which saw him score his side’s last seven points.
Casio ended up with 22 points, 12 of which he made in the fourth quarter alone. He led the Bossing to the 85-78 victory over the reigning champions.
“Very talented,” he said of the seven-year pro moments after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. “Matalinong player si Baser.
“Actually, siya ‘yung nag-lead ng team roon sa huli, and I respect him on that. Sumusunod lang din ako sa kanya,” the 35-year-old added.
Amer was seen all game long showing assertiveness as his side’s floor general. He even had a hand in Casio’s final shot that sealed the deal – a three-point shot near the left wing off a back pick with 41.4 seconds left.
(C) PBA Images
“Last play, kung paano naka-shoot si Kuya Jvee, oo, ako ‘yung tumawag,” said the San Beda great humbly. “Dumiin na kasi sa akin ‘yung depensa.”
Blackwater head coach Ariel Vanguardia said that he didn’t have anything to do with that particular play as it was only the two who thought of and did so.
“‘Di ako nag tawag noon. Silang dalawa nagtawag non. Naka-shoot si JVee out of the back pick, then naka-shoot siya ng three points,” said the veteran mentor.
“‘Yun talaga sinabi ko sa kanila. Kayo nasa loob, kayo mag-take charge.”
Amer was indeed one of the major reasons behind the triumph. Calm and collected especially during the Tropang Giga’s late surge, the Davao City native finished with 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Vanguardia said that such an outing was all thanks to the effort of the 29-year-old in being in better shape heading into the Season 47 wars.
“Baser has lost significant weight. He’s been playing well with that. I think this is one of his better games in a Blackwater uniform,” he said.
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