Sedrick Barefield shone as Blackwater logged its first win in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Sedrick Barefield received a text message from Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso hours before their match against Meralco on Thursday, Dec. 12.
This came after the Bossing reeled to a third straight loss in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Don’t let the past linger,” Barefield quoted Cariaso as saying.
“He told me that he has confidence in me."
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Barefield responded with a season-high 33 points he spiked with five rebounds, nine assists and a steal as Blackwater broke through against the import-less Bolts, 114-98, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
The No. 2 overall pick in this year’s rookie draft later said Cariaso’s words of affirmation pumped him up to lift Blackwater to its first win in four games.
“I took that to heart. That kind of just got me prepared for the day to just leave everything behind us and try to give it our best today,” Barefield said.
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Just as inspired was George King, who submitted 32 points and 14 rebounds for the Bossing, who dealt Meralco a first win after a hot 3-0 start to the mid-season conference.
Christian David fired three triples on his way to 17 points while James Kwekuteye had 10 markers.
“I’m happy with the win,” said Barefield.
Meanwhile, the Bolts kept in step with the Bossing even sans stand-in reinforcement DJ Kennedy, who is nursing a calf injury.
Without Kennedy, the injury-plagued Meralco leaned on Chris Newsome and Bong Quinto, who finished with 22 and 19 points, respectively, and combined for nine rebounds.
Cliff Hodge added 13 points and 10 boards, while Aaron Black turned in 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Scores:
NORTHPORT 108 – Jack 32, Munzon 30, Tolentino 21, Nelle 13, Yu 6, Navarro 4, Onwubere 2, Flores 0, Tratter 0, Bulanadi 0, Cuntapay 0, Miranda 0.
CONVERGE 101 – Heading 30, Stockton 16, Winston 15, Diallo 13, Arana 8, Racal 7, Baltazar 5, Santos 4, Andrade 3, Delos Santos 0, Nieto 0, Javillonar 0, Caralipio 0.
Quarterscores: 24-33, 54-57, 75-76, 108-101