The Blackwater Bossing finally got it going in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
All Blackwater needed was two quarters to warm up.
After that, the Bossing turned it up in the third period on their way to a breakthrough 120-98 victory over NorthPort in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, April 25.
The sense of urgency was palpable for Blackwater, which held a players-only meeting after their second straight loss to Converge.
“After ng loss sa Converge, nagkaroon kami ng players meeting. 'Yon siguro ang nakatulong sa’min. Napag-usapan namin kung anong dapat gawin para ma-turn around ang conference namin,” said RK Ilagan.
It did work wonders for Blackwater.
The trio of Christian David, Sedrick Barefield and BJ Andrade spearheaded a furious 40-27 third quarter onslaught for the squad that made the difference for the Bossing.
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Barefield finished with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals, while David put up 19 points and six rebounds.
It was Ilagan, though, who was hailed Player of the Game after he wound up with 17 points, including 11 in the fourth period, where the Bossing buried the Batang Pier for good.
Richard Escoto and Andrade combined for 29 points and 11 rebounds, and Troy Malilin had 10 points and six boards.
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Meanwhile, Joshua Munzon paced the Batang Pier with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.
William Navarro chipped in 24 points and 11 rebounds, Arvin Tolentino returned from hip flexor injury and posted 15 points and six rebounds, and Allyn Bulanadi added 12 markers.
But their contributions were not quite enough to help NorthPort turn the match around.
Instead, the squad dropped its second straight game for a 1-2 record.
Blackwater vs NorthPort Scores:
BLACKWATER 120 – Barefield 20, David 19, Ilagan 17, Escoto 15, Andrade 14, Mallilin 10, Ayonayon 9, Guinto 7, Tungcab 5, Chua 2, Tratter 2, Casio 0.
NORTHPORT 98 – Munzon 27, Navarro 24, Tolentino 15, Bulanadi 12, Jalalon 7, Onwubere 6, Cuntapay 3, Flores 3, Yu 1, Nelle 0, Kwekuteye 0, Taha 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 48-47, 88-74, 120-98.