JVee Casio saved Blackwater from the jaws of defeat against San Miguel, 103-101, in the PBA On Tour, Sunday night at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
The veteran playmaker calmly sank all three of his free throws with 22.9 seconds left to play, making John Apacible pay dearly for his costly landing spot foul as he contested the former’s three-point attempt from the left corner.
Jericho Cruz’s missed shot from point-blank range plus Baser Amer’s split from the line with 1.2 ticks left to play were enough for the Bossing to come out on top after mismanaging a 99-93 lead with 3:11 remaining in the game.
“These are the games that we need in order for us to learn how to close games,” offered lead assistant coach Joe Silva.
Troy Rosario led Blackwater with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the victory that also served as a warm welcome to head coach Jeff Cariaso. The tactician is back after attending prior commitments in the States.
“It was a good feeling just being back in the games; being back behind the bench instead of being across the bench,” said the seasoned mentor.
Casio, Amer, and Mike DiGregorio all finished with 13 points apiece, while Rashawn McCarthy chipped in 10 markers.
Now down to its last three games, Blackwater will face Meralco on July 14, Friday, 5 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Allyn Bulanadi, on the other hand, had a game-high 26 points to lead San Miguel, who dropped its fifth game in a row to match TNT for the longest losing skid in the ongoing preseason tournament.
Coincidentally, the Tropang Giga are up next in their schedule. They’ll play one another on Friday, July 7 at 7:30 PM, also at Ynares Pasig.
Cruz had 25 points, while Marvin Lee had 15. Apacible and Rodney Brondial added 11 and 10 markers, respectively, in the defeat.
The Scores:
Blackwater 103 – Rosario 19, DiGregorio 13, Casio 13, Amer 13, McCarthy 10, Sena 9, Suerte 8, Ilagan 6, Ayonayon 4, Banal 4, Publico 2, Ular 2, Escoto 0.
San Miguel 101 – Bulanadi 26, Cruz 25, Lee 15, Apacible 11, Brondial 10, Baclao 7, Faundo 4, Dela Cruz 3, De Vera 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 59-60, 79-75, 103-101
