AN ugly 46-point beatdown at the hands of foreign guest team Bay Area in its opening game last Wednesday woke up Blackwater from a long stupor dating back to the last PBA Philippine Cup.
With the monkey finally off their backs, Bossing coach Ariel Vanguardia heaved a big sigh of relief last Saturday night.
“We really got embarrassed in the last game and I think partly because we were kinda overconfident in our preparation,” Vanguardia said.
“I challenged the team that only us can redeem ourselves,” he added.
Vanguardia spoke after Blackwater brought down Phoenix 97-85 for its first win in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Bossing began their campaign in the mid-season tourney on the wrong foot after absorbing an 87-133 shellacking at the hands of the Dragons.
That lopsided loss was simply unforgivable, according to Vanguardia, who said his charges led by veterans Justin Melton and JVee Casio gathered to right the ship.
“Minura ko sila after the game. I think they woke up, the next day in practice, the leaders had a meeting with themselves led by Justin (Melton) and JVee (Casio)” Vanguardia said. “There was accountability from each other, to remind ourselves.”
Foremost among those who rose to the challenge for Blackwater was Baser Amer, who scattered 24 points, while import Cameron Krutwig chipped in 17 markers, 16 rebounds and seven assists.
Troy Rosario also promptly made an impact in his first game with the Bossing with 15 and 10, while Rey Suerte, Rashawn McCarthy, and Gab Banal had 15, 12, and 10 points, respectively.
The Fuel Masters, coming off an 89-92 setback at the hands of NorthPort six days ago, welcomed back tactician Topex Robinson from sick bay but still fell to 0-2.
Vanguardia gave plaudits to Blackwater’s new additions in Rosario and Banal.
“Gab (Banal) gave us a big lift defensively while also putting points on the board. And we know what Troy (Rosario) can give us,” Vanguardia said. “We got a bit lucky also as the other team played minus some of their best guys.”
Big men Sean Anthony, Jason Perkins, and Jake Pascual sat out the match for Phoenix.
Anthony and Pascual are still under health and safety protocols, while Perkins is expected to be out for the entire conference after undergoing knee surgery.
Reinforcement Kaleb Wesson paced the Fuel Masters with 28 points and 26 caroms, while RR Garcia and Javee Mocon added 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
