By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Blackwater Bossing bucked the absence of reinforcement George King to score a 100-92 stunner against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Tuesday night, January 21.
Bacolodnon Justin Chua spearheaded the attack with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Bossing kept their slim playoff hopes alive with their 3-8 win-loss slate.
Christian David added 20 points and 11 boards, Jvee Casio contributed a conference-high of 14 points, while Mike Ayonayon and Jewel Ponferrada had 11 and 10, respectively, for the Bossing, which were without King due to foot injury.
From a 92-all score late in the fourth quarter, the Bossing got an inside conversion from Chua followed by two free throws from David for a 96-92 lead with more than two minutes in the game.
Following misses from the Fuel Masters’ side, the Bossing increased the lead further with an inside basket from Ponferrada before David wrapped up the upset win with two free throws.
“I am really super just proud of our guys tonight. I cannot express how proud I am because of the fight, and the focus and the ability to work together,” Bossing head coach Jeffrey Cariaso said after the game.
“When it’s an import-laden conference, it is always hard to win without an import. But the idea of the guys stepping up, just being ready tonight and giving their hearts out, I could not anymore be proud of this team,” he added.
Donovan Smith tallied 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Jason Perkins and RJ Jazul added 19 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Fuel Masters dropped to a 3-8 record./ASC, WDJ
BLACKWATER 100 — Chua 22, David 20, Casio 14, Ayonayon 11, Ponferrada 10, Tungcab 9, Ilagan 7, Escoto 3, Jopia 2, Kwekuteye 2, Guinto 0, Mitchell 0.
PHOENIX 92 — Smith 32, Perkins 19, Jazul 12, Salado 7, Tuffin 5, Alejandro 4, Manganti 3, Tio 2, Ballungay 2, Camacho 2, Garcia 0, Daves 0, Verano 0, Rivero 0.
Quarterscores: 23-17, 51-49, 72-72, 100-92.