Mark Barroca lauded the kind of growth Blackwater has been showcasing thus far in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup to prove a point that no team could afford to start slowly, especially in a group stage format—including his own.
He and Magnolia on Friday night yielded to an 89-81 decision to the Bossing, and the veteran guard credited the way their foes have leveled up since Pat Aquino took over, while they got themselves falling into a 0-2 hole.
To put matters into perspective, the perennial cellar-dwellers are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2024 Philippine Cup, and have also gained a share of the Group A lead with Phoenix as they carry identical records.
“Oo, kasi top four,” he told reporters moments after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, pointing out the current competition system in place, in which the top four finishers of each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
“Tapos itong mga ganitong team, hindi na ‘to Blackwater; iba nang Blackwater ‘to,” added the 40-year-old.
“Ibang level sila ngayon.”
Experience-wise, Magnolia has the upper hand entering the bout, with the team hoping to bounce back after bowing to Phoenix Super LPG by way of a 98-86 decision in their conference debut last Saturday in Montalban.
It was on that very same game day, though, that Blackwater stunned Rain or Shine, 131-108, behind an attack led by Kentrell Barkley and RK Ilagan.
Fast forward to Friday, Aquino and his charges would prove that it was by no means a fluke, taking the scalp of another perennial playoff team.
And just like in their first outing, ‘KB’ took the spotlight, scoring eight in the Bossing’s 10-0 finishing kick to erase an 81-79 deficit. The former IBL Most Valuable Player went on to register 26 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.
But Barkley received solid support anew. Ilagan, for one, fired 20 points, while Dalph Panopio and Sedrick Barefield chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.
Even players like Nick Demusis came through with significant contributions, as the hard-nosed winger provided energy off the bench while showing just how grateful he is for being given another chance to play in the PBA.
“Hindi na rin sila ‘yung masasabi mong mahinang team, nag-improve na talaga sila—’yung mga player nila, tapos nagdagdag din sila ng mga personnel na makakatulong. Nag-level up talaga ‘yung mga teams ngayon,” Barroca said.
As for Magnolia, only KJ Buffen provided the bright spot with 32 and 11—he was actually responsible for putting them ahead—as Jerom Lastimosa and Ian Sangalang were the only others in twin digits with 11 and 10 points.
Still, their import remains in the process of acclimating to the Hotshots’ own basketball, which Barroca is optimistic that he will get there sooner.
“May konting adjustments lang siguro kasi minsan, hindi niya pa alam ‘yung … kung saan siya pupwesto, saan ‘yung mismatches,” he said.
“Throughout the conference, naman matututunan niya ‘yun. Ilang games, makakapag-adjust siya. Mas better para sa amin ‘yun.”
And Barroca hopes that, along with it, comes the progress within Magnolia as a whole, as they wouldn’t want to prolong this rough start any longer.
“Kailangan mag-adjust. Nangyari na ‘to. As a veteran, kailangan mag-usap-usap sa mga adjustment namin, kung ano ‘yung kailangan namin,” he said.
