TITAN Ultra bagged its second victory on Wednesday, overcoming Blackwater, 102-98, in a battle of PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup minnows at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Giant Risers led by as many as 20 points after a strong start, but still had to earn the win in the final moments when the Bossing made one last desperate push.
READ TNT deputy Josh Reyes explains why Chot decided to freeze the Bol
Joshua Munzon scored 25 points and knocked down a four with the shotclock winding down with 1:29 left for a 102-94 lead that proved enough to secure the Giant Risers' second win in five games.
“That's basketball. Lalamang ka and then after that, all of a sudden, makakahabol ang kalaban. Credit to the players, hindi sila bumigay especially nung run ng Blackwater,” said Titan Ultra coach Rensy Bajar.
"Nandoon pa rin kami, nag-stick kami together and played defense," Bajar added.
Blackwater slipped to 1-4, even though momentum appeared to have shifted after the Bossing tasted the lead for the first time, 69-68, since the early goings.
The Bossing still led, 87-86, when the Giant Risers responded with an 8-0 run to grab the lead for good behind Michael Gilmore, who added 21 points and 15 rebounds and ended that stretch with a three.
Von Pessumal scored three free throws for a 47-27 lead for Titan Ultra, until Blackwater cut the deficit to four, 54-50, at the half.
Robert Upshaw III and Sedrick Barefield had 25 points apiece for the Bossing, who couldn't translate a 24-8 advantage in points off turnovers into a win.
The scores:
Titan Ultra 102 – Munzon 25, Gilmore 21, Dionisio 11, Ular 7, Javillonar 7, Yu 7, Sajonia 6, Cuntapay 5, Pessumal 5, Omega 4, Balanza 4, Ambohot 0, Caralipio 0.
Blackwater 98 – Upshaw 25, Barefield 25, Panopio 10, Tratter 9, David 7, Ilagan 4, Cruz-Dumont 3, Guinto 3, Murrell 3, Una 0, Mendoza 0, Mallillin 0.
Quarters: 36-21; 54-50; 84-83; 102-98.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
