Blackwater goes All-Filipino in huge win vs. Phoenix with George King out

Blackwater relied on its locals in picking up an important 100-92 win against Phoenix to keep its playoff hopes alive in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Center Antipolo.

The Bossing, who were missing the services of import George King due to a foot injury he sustained in the last game, banked on veterans Justin Chua, Jvee Casio, and Jewel Ponferada as well as young gun Christian David to improve to 3-8.

Chua remained solid as he poured in 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals while Casio and Ponferada chipped in 14 and 10 markers apiece. Blackwater's playoff chances, though, hang in balance depending on the result of the game later between NorthPort and San Miguel.

Still, head coach Jeff Cariaso lauded the effort shown by his players despite playing without King as well as Sedrick Barefield, who has been missing the past games for them due to an injury as well.

"I'm really super just proud of these guys tonight. I can't express how proud I am of the fight, the focus, and the energy and the ability to work together," Cariaso said.

"When it's an import conference, it's always harder when you don't have an import so we didn't know until thirty minutes before the game that he wasn't gonna play. That was already a sting to us but the idea of the guys just stepping up, I couldn't be any prouder for this team."

Blackwater had a hot start and even led by as many as 15 in the second quarter, but the Bossing momentarily lost steam and found themselves in a 72-all deadlock by the end of the third period.

But playing inspired basketball, they managed to fend off the Fuel Masters despite a solid outing from import Donovan Smith with a 32-point outburst alongside nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Casio showed his vintage form in the fourth period, burying a massive four-point shot before knocking down another triple for an 87-84 lead. Phoenix, though, was also firing from downtown with Smith and Ken Tuffin nailing a triple each to force another deadlock at 92-all.

Veteran big man Chua completed a jumper before David sank a pair of free throws for a 96-92 advantage. A Casio dish that led to a Ponferada layup against the outstretched arm of Smith then sent Blackwater to a six-point cushion with 1:09 left.

Phoenix had plenty of chances to come back but Tyler Tio, Tuffin, and even Smith went wide on their attempts as David sealed it with two charities en route to their third win in 11 games.

David had himself a game with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds and Blackwater will need more of those when they close out their elimination round campaign against NorthPort on Saturday.

Phoenix, which dropped to a similar 3-8 card, will still face no less than league-leading TNT on Friday.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News