BLACKWATER stunned San Miguel, 126-120, on Wednesday for its first win in three seasons against the traditional powerhouse on Wednesday in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Bossing showed immense composure rarely seen from them after a huge fightback by the reigning Philippine Cup champions saw what once stood as a 22-point Blackwater lead disappear into thin air in the third quarter.
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The perennial league minnows, however, showed a lot of fight in the final quarter, turning to Sedrick Barefield and BJ Andrade to provide the big hits that wrapped up Pat Aquino's first win since replacing Jeff Cariaso as Blackwater coach,
Robert Upshaw III set the tone for Blackwater after hitting his four four-point shots on his way to scoring 35 points, while Barefield put the finishing touches to the win with 29 points for the Bossing.
It was Blackwater's first win against San Miguel since October 5, 2022 when the Bossing upset the Beermen, 109-106, in the 47th Season Commissioner's Cup.
The Bossing survived after the Beermen looked to turn things around after posting a 92-87 lead in the fourth quarter.
“That's what we told the boys. Don't stop playing. We continue to play the game. I think the boys, they did all the things that we needed to win this game. I'm proud of them,” said Aquino.
Trailing 114-113, Blackwater took the lead for good with Christian David and Barefield converting on their lay-ups, and Barefield knocking down a three for a 120-116 lead.
Andrade also converted on two putbacks, catching San Miguel defenders napping, and his final field goal giving Blackwater a 124-118 lead.
David had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Andrade added 13 points and seven rebounds - five on the offensive side.
Bennie Boatwright had 38 points, 13 rebounds, six rebounds, and two blocks, and June Mar Fajardo had 28 points and 13 rebounds for the Beermen, who dropped to 4-5 and eighth place in the team standings.
The scores:
Blackwater 125 – Upshaw 35, Barefield 29, David 15, Andrade 13, Zamar 12, Austria 11, Tratter 9, Una 2.
San Miguel 120 – Boatwright 38, Fajardo 28, Perez 24, Lassiter 15, Ross 6, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 3, Tiongson 2, Cruz 0, Cahilig 0.
Quarters: 36-23; 65-50; 92-94; 126-120.
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