Blackwater escapes Phoenix for breakthrough win

Blackwater nearly squandered a double-digit lead, but did just enough late in the game to survive Phoenix Super LPG, 108-105, in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Bossing led by as much as 12 early in the second period but the Fuel Masters stepped up in the second half with import Du'vaughn Maxwell completing a three-point play to tie things up at 92 with 4:51 left in the fourth.

But his counterpart Shawn Glover drilled five straight points to again put Blackwater in the driver's seat, 97-92. Veteran Jvee Casio then displayed his vintage form, dropping a long bucket from the corner then splitting his free throw for a 102-98 spread with 33.3 ticks left.

Tyler Tio gave Phoenix some signs of life, knocking down a triple for a 102-101 deficit but his last-gasp three-pointer went wide as Blackwater completed the victory.

Glover led Blackwater with 31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks while Baser Amer chipped in 17 markers. Rookie Ato Ular also chimed in with a double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two dimes.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News