ANTIPOLO – Blackwater found unlikely heroes in the absence of import George King to defeat Phoenix, 100-92, on Tuesday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
Justin Chua scored 22 points while getting support from veterans JVee Casio and Jewel Ponferada, who both hit conference-highs as an all-Filipino Blackwater side won for just the third time in 11 games, keeping its quarterfinal hopes alive pending the result of the second game between San Miguel and NorthPort
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Phoenix fell to 3-8 after its third straight loss as Blackwater played with a lot of heart after King was ruled out due to an injury, getting timely scoring from players like Christian David and Mike Ayonayon.
The Bossing were also without Sedrick Barefield, Rey Suerte and Kib Montalbo, all because of injuries.
“I’m really super proud of these guys tonight,” said Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso. “I can’t express how proud I am because of the fight, the focus, obviously the energy, and the ability to work together.
“So when it’s an import conference, it’s always harder when you don’t have an import,” added Cariaso.
Chua also had 11 rebounds while David had a double-double as well with his 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Bossing, including the three-pointer that broke the game's last deadlock at 92-92.
Casio had 14 points in 31 minutes of action while shooting 1 for 3 from fours and 2 for 4 from threes, while Ponferada added 10 points and five rebounds. His lay-up with 1:59 left in the game hiked the Bossing lead to 98-92.
Ayonayon delivered 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists for Blackwater.
Donovan Smith had 32 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix, which trailed by as many as 15 points.
The scores:
Blackwater 100 – Chua 22, David 20, Casio 14, Ayonayon 11, Ponferada 10, Tungcab 9, Ilagan 7, Escoto 3, Jopia 2, Kwekuteye 2, Guinto 0, Mitchell 0.
Phoenix 92 – Smith 32, Perkins 19, Jazul 12, Salado 7, Tuffin 5, Alejandro 4, Muyang 4, Manganti 3, Ballungay 2, Tio 2, Camacho 2, Daves 0, Verano 0, Rivero 0, Garcia 0.
Quarters: 23-17; 51-49; 72-72; 100-92.
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