GAMES WEDNESDAY
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – NLEX vs. NorthPort
7:30 p.m. – SMB vs. Converge
IN a picturesque transition play that mostly eluded the team in the season-ending tourney, Blackwater forward Troy Mallillin fired a pocket pass that threaded Terrafirma’s napping defense and found a wide-open Christian David inside last night.
Finally getting back their mojo, the Bossing ran over the hard-luck Dyip 97-82 for only their second win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
David’s layup pegged a 62-50 count at the 6:44 mark of the third canto that sparked Blackwater’s breakaway from there that halted a six-game losing streak that included an 82-108 whipping at the hands of TNT last Friday.
Terrafirma, which has put its franchise for sale at the close of the All-Filipino conference, exited on a sad note after the Dyip wound up with 10 straight setbacks including an 85-94 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last week for a 1-10 slate.
Bossing coach Jeff Cariaso praised his charges for not letting their guard down against their foes playing in what could be their swan song in the pro league.
“One thing about Terra is that they never stop fighting. Much respect to their team. But CD (David) was hitting big shots,” Cariaso said. “When they were coming close and we needed a basket, CD was there to save us tonight.
“We are both on the same boat in regards to standings and we are trying to get that big hump that is in front of us. You have to respect them for not giving up and always fighting,” he added.
Richard Escoto showed the way for Blackwater with 21 points and four rebounds while David backed him up with 19 markers, 12 boards, and four assists.
Sedrick Barefield, RK Ilagan, and BJ Andrade also had 12,12, and 10 points, respectively for the Bossing.
Blackwater raced to a 45-27 spread on a David basket at the 5:46 mark of the second quarter before it settled for a 52-45 lead at the break.
The Bossing pushed the deficit to 71-61 going into the fourth quarter and did just enough to frustrate Terrafirma.
Louie Sangalang paced the Dyip with 24 points and three dimes while Brent Paraiso got 12 and two.
Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo also scored 12 and 10 marks, respectively for Terrafirma.
Blackwater still has a match left against Phoenix on Friday, June 13. Winning at least another tiff will certainly be a big morale-booster for the Bossing heading into the next season in stark contrast to the fate of the Dyip, who might have parked for the final time.
