MANILA – Blackwater Bossing overcame the absence of import George King to pull off a 100-92 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Joseph Evans “Jvee” Casio tallied a season-high of 14 points, five assists, two steals, and one rebound as the Bossing kept their slim playoff hopes alive with their 3-8 win-loss slate.
“Give credit sa mga teammates ko, they really stepped up and they just don’t want to lose, and they showed the character that we can build on,” Casio said in his Player of the Game interview.
Bacolodnon Justin Chua led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Christian David added 20 points and 11 boards, 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 over 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 be ready tonight and gave 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./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
