George King and Sedrick Barefield lifted the Blackwater Bossing past the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 123-111, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday, September 3, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

King tallied 44 points and 13 rebounds, while Barefield had 32 of his own — his career-best by far — to quell Phoenix import Brandone Francis’ 45-point explosion alongside 10 rebounds and eight assists.

“We knew that their new import was gonna come in and give them some life, give them some motivation, the same way George did for us. So we were expecting them to be ready and be good, and they were,” said Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

This was Blackwater’s second win in a row after starting the conference 0-3.

Cariaso hailed King’s efforts to match the energy of his counterpart.

“I think what happened there was also George King,” said Cariaso.

“You know, him stepping up and matching not just the points and all the numbers that Francis brought, but he matched the energy, he matched the defending and all the things we talked about at practice as part of our team.”

After the Super LPG closed in at 109-104 off a Francis layup. Barefield was there to score six straight off two-point and 15-foot-line makes to fend off the comeback attempt of their rivals.

Jason Perkins added 29 points for the losing side, which has yet to win in four games. (ABS-CBN News)

BLACKWATER 123 — King 44, Barefield 32, Ilagan 14, Rosario 12, David 8, Escoto 6, Chua 4, Kwukuteye 3, Guinto 0, Mitchell 0, Montalbo 0, Suerte 0, Ponferrada 0.

PHOENIX 111 — Francis 45, Perkins 29, Garcia 8, Manganti 7, Tio 5, Mocon 4, Ballungay 4, Muyang 3, Salado 2, Rivero 2, Soyud 2, Alejandro 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Tuffin 0, Verano 0.

Quarterscores: 27-23, 64-58, 103-84, 123-111.