TITAN Ultra finally got back to its winning ways, dispatching Blackwater, 97-86, on Wednesday in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Giant Risers recovered just a game after their stinging loss in their previous game against Rain or Shine, 112-111, after Joshua Munzon fouled Anton Asistio while taking a four-point shot.
Calvin Abueva had 23 points, while Munzon bounced back from that blunder by scoring 18 points to help the Giant Risers improve their record to 2-4.
The Giant Risers snapped a four-game losing streak following the win over the Bossing.
Fran Yu was also instrumental in Titan Ultra's pullaway, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, and sending Blackwater to its fourth loss in five games.
The Giant Risers turned things around in the second half after trailing, 47-42, at the break particularly on defense were they forced Bossing stars Sedrick Barefield and Christian David to earn their points.
“We needed to change our attitude nung second half kasi nagkanya-kanya kami, hindi kami nakapag-push ng bola kaya ‘yung game, lumamang ng first half ‘yung Blackwater,” said Titan Ultra coach John Cardel.
“But in the third quarter and the fourth quarter, we did our plan especially pushing the ball and Barefield, medyo na-limit namin kahit papaano pati si David. We had a good plan defending them,” Cardel added.
Yu began the pullaway with a four-point play before draining a three to conclude a 9-0 blast that gave Titan Ultra an 81-70 lead. The Giant Risers eventually led by as many as 15 points, 97-82.
Barefield had 18 points on 6-of-14 shots from the field, Troy Mallillin had 17 points, and David added 15 points on 6-of-20 from the field, and 11 rebounds for the Bossing.
The scores:
Titan Ultra 97 – Abueva 23, Munzon 18, Yu 14, Melecio 11, Pessumal 10, Flores 7, Ambohot 5, Balanza 5, Dionisio 3, Cuntapay 1, Monje 0, Barasi 0, Ular 0, Sumang 0.
Blackwater 86 – Barefield 18, Mallilin 17, David 15, Panopio 15, Tratter 6, Mendoza 5, Guinto 4, Escoto 2, Una 2, Andrade 2, Cruz-Dumont 0, Murrell 0, Zamar 0, Jopia 0.
Quarters: 20-18; 42-47; 71-67; 97-86.
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