BLACKWATER remained in the running for a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Governors Cup by taking care of business against an import-less San Miguel Beer side, 111-94, in Saturday’s doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Import George King was unstoppable all night long, pouncing the Beermen for 49 big points to go along with 11 rebounds as the Bossing improved to a 4-5 record and tied NLEX at no.4 in Group B in a heated race for the remaining playoffs berth.
San Miguel, which played minus Jordan Adams (strained hamstring), ended its group stage campaign with a 6-4 card and could end up at either nos. 2 or 3 in Group A depending on the outcome of the final two playdates in the group stage.
In the main game, Meralco demolished undermanned Terrafirma, 124-82, to close out with a 7-3 record in Group A.
The Bolts are already assured as the second seed in their bracket even if TNT (7-2) loses its final game against Northport as the Tropang Giga swept its two head-to-head encounter with Meralco in the eliminations.
Terrafirma bowed out with a 1-9 slate.
Here are the takeaways in the last three playing days of the season-opening conference
KING WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK
In the post-game presser, the Blackwater import appeared to have delivered his valedictory by acknowledging Jeff Cariaso as the best coach he ever played for while stating how he enjoyed his stint with the franchise, brief as it may be.
Whatever happens, whether the Bossing advance to the playoffs or not, one thing is certain – the PBA has not seen the last of the ‘King.’
READ: George King praises Jeff Cariaso: ‘The best coach I played for’
CARIASO EQUALS PREVIOUS WIN RECORD WITH BLACKWATER
With a 4-5 slate and very much in contention for a quarterfinals berth, Cariaso already matched his previous win record with the Bossing.
The veteran coach went a combined 4-18 in Season 48, including 3-8 in the Philippine Cup where the team won its first three outings only to lose its next seven games to bomb out of the race for a playoffs berth.
Here’s hoping more wins for coach Jeff and the Bossing for the remainder of the season.
NEW IMPORT FOR SAN MIGUEL
The Beermen coaching staff will meet together on Sunday to discuss the fate of injured import Jordan Adams. But reading between the lines, it’s almost certain the team will bring in a new reinforcement especially with the playoffs set to kick off on Wednesday. Adams is down with a strained hamstring, an injury that will take some time to heal.
MERALCO PRIMING UP FOR THE PLAYOFFS
The Bolts warmed up for the coming quarterfinals with a 42-point win over the Dyip. It’s the biggest winning margin in Meralco franchise history, surpassing its 119-85 victory over TNT during the 2015 Governors’ Cup.
The Bolts finished with a 7-3 record and needed the morale-boosting win going to the playoffs where they could either face San Miguel Beer of old rival Barangay Ginebra in a best-of-five series.
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