PAUL Zamar drained a three with 7.9 seconds left as Blackwater escaped with a 94-91 win over Meralco on Friday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite improved to 5-1 (win-loss) after atoning for their loss to NLEX in their previous game while Meralco's woes continued upon its return from the Fiba Asia Champions Cup.
The Bolts are now 1-4 and in danger of missing the playoff bus.
Before his game-winner, Zamar also made a defensive gem as he chased down Anjo Caram on a fastbreak to stop a layup and preserve Blackwater's 91-90 lead.
Allen Durham split his free throws to tie the match at 91-all, setting the stage for Zamar's clutch trey that capped the Elite's comeback from a 10-point deficit.
“Great bounce-back, great win. Last seven minutes, we were losing by 10 points. It’s a game of adjustments. They adjust, we adjust. It’s a come-from-behind win again,” said Blackwater coach Bong Ramos.
"The characters of the players are developing. I hope we continue that."
Walker scored 24 points to go with 14 rebounds, and four blocks while Mac Belo had 14 points including a three-pointer that broke an 88-88 tie. Zamar finished with 13 points.
Durham had 32 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks, while Baser Amer had 14 points including a triple that gave the Bolts a 74-64 lead.
The scores:
Blackwater 94 – Walker 24, Belo 14, Zamar 13, Sumang 12, Maliksi 10, Jose 8, Sena 5, Pinto 4, DiGregorio 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Javier 0.
Meralco 91 – Durham 32, Amer 14, Bono 10, Newsome 8, Caram 7, Lanete 5, Hodge 4, Salva 4, Tolomia 3, Hugnatan 2, Jamito 2, Atkins 0, Canaleta 0.
Quarters: 18-14; 40-37; 61-62; 94-91.