Already at a disadvantage even before the game started, the Blackwater Bossing refused to dwell on the negatives and stepped up when needed the most against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Playing All-Filipino would not stop the Blackwater Elite from showing up especially with their season on the line.
It took a whole team effort for the Bossing to revive their playoff hopes in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s after sending the Phoenix Fuel Masters reeling to a third straight loss, 100-92.
Coach Jeffrey Cariaso bared that they received the bad news just before tip-off. It did not, however, weaken the Bossing’s spirits as their locals stepped up.
[ALSO READ: George King-less Blackwater gets morale-boosting win over Phoenix in Commissioner's Cup]
“We didn’t know until 30 minutes before the game that he [George King] wasn’t gonna play. That was already a sting to us [Blackwater]. The idea of the guys stepping up is that they gave their hearts out,” Cariaso said in the post-game press conference.
Justin Chua and Christian David collected 20-point, 10-rebound double-doubles while Player of the Game JVee Casio had a solid contribution of 14 markers and five assists.
Mike Ayonayon added 11 off the bench to make it five Blackwater players in double-figures.
“I’m just super proud of these guys [Blackwater] tonight because of the fight, focus, energy and the ability to work together,’ Cariaso added.
For Casio, it was just a sense of urgency of his teammates that prevailed in the end.
“They [teammate] didn’t want to lose. It showed the character that we can build on. I believe that we have that,” the veteran guard added.
Although slim, the Bossing still have a chance to advance into the playoffs but they should close out their elimination round campaign against NorthPort with a win for a shot.