Sedrick Barefield played the fireman’s role to help Blackwater put out the fiery fourth-quarter rally of Phoenix, 123-111, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup, Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The no. 2 pick of the recent draft fired a conference-high 32 points, including six consecutive points that were crucial to repelling the Fuel Masters’ furious fightback from a 21-point deficit barely a minute into the fourth quarter.
Barefield first converted a three-point play off a Javee Mocon foul, then sank a tough jumper.
A split followed to stretch their lead to double digits again, 115-104, with 3:06 left to play after seeing their foes knock to within just five.
George King would then help him out in applying the finishing touches, eventually ending up with 44 points and 13 rebounds for a stellar outing of his own.
The Bossing also spoiled the league debut of Brandone Francis.
The Dominican winger, the team’s official replacement for Jayveous McKinnis, had a 40-piece as well with 45 on 37 shots. He also had 10 boards and eight assists as he led the Fuel Masters’ rally to get within 109-104 with 5:07 to go.
But the evening belonged to the Bossing, who registered their first winning streak since a hot 3-0 start in last season’s Philippine Cup.
“We knew that their new import was gonna come in and give them some life, some motivation, the same way George did for us. So we were expecting them to be ready and be good and they were,” said head coach Jeff Cariaso.
“I think what happened there was also George King,” Cariaso added of his prized reinforcement, who was coming off a 33-point, 19-rebound debut in their massive upset of Barangay Ginebra the last time out.
RK Ilagan came through with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Troy Rosario supplied 12 markers and nine boards.
They, too, played key roles in steering Blackwater to a 2-3 record in Group B.
“Everybody’s playing at a high level,” said Barefield, who shot 55-percent from the field and also had three rebounds and five assists.
The Bossing will try to stretch their streak to three wins when they face NLEX on Friday, September 6, at 5:00 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
As for Phoenix, Jason Perkins was the only other guy who carried the load on offense with 29 points on a 50-percent clip and eight rebounds.
It was just too unfortunate that his and the team’s efforts weren’t enough as they ultimately absorbed their fourth loss in as many games.
Phoenix will also see action on Friday against the Gin Kings at 7:30 PM, hoping, of course, to break through and keep its hopes alive.
The Scores:
Blackwater 123 – King 44, Barefield 32, Ilagan 14, Rosario 12, David 8, Escoto 6, Chua 4, Kwukuteye 3, Guinto 0, Mitchell 0, Montalbo 0, Suerte 0, Ponferrada 0.
Phoenix 111 – Francis 45, Perkins 29, Garcia 8, Manganti 7, Tio 5, Mocon 4, Ballungay 4, Muyang 3, Salado 2, Rivero 2, Soyud 2, Alejandro 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Tuffin 0, Verano 0.
Quarterscores: 27-23, 64-58, 103-84, 123-111.
