Richard Dean
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:58 pm GMT
The Blackwater Bossing delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, upsetting the San Miguel Beermen 111-94 in a crucial game of the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. George King was the star of the show, scoring an astonishing 49 points, and helped keep Blackwater’s playoff hopes alive.
King’s Dominance Fuels Victory
Blackwater’s win was particularly significant as it ended a long-awaited drought against San Miguel. The victory marked the Bossing’s first win over the Beermen since October 6, 2022, and only their second in the last 14 encounters, as noted by PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
With this impressive display, Blackwater now stands tied for fourth place with NLEX at a 4-5 win-loss record, pushing the team closer to a playoff spot. They need to secure a win against Rain or Shine on Monday to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
- George King: 49 points, 14-of-29 shooting, 11 rebounds
- Sedrick Barefield: 14 points, 5 assists
- Justin Chua: 9 points
- June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel): 23 points, 12 rebounds
- CJ Perez (San Miguel): 21 points, 8 rebounds
The Impact of Adams’ Absence
San Miguel’s loss was notably affected by the absence of their star player, Jordan Adams, who was sidelined with a strained hamstring sustained during their game against Rain or Shine last Thursday. His absence proved crucial, as the Beermen struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm without him.
Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso acknowledged this challenge but also praised his team’s resilience. “Our backs are really against the wall,” he stated, highlighting the determination shown by his players. He emphasized King’s outstanding leadership, saying, “George leading us in all categories was really tremendous.”
A Turning Point in the Game
The game took a pivotal turn late in the third quarter. Blackwater was trailing by four points, but King’s remarkable play sparked a crucial 12-0 run, allowing the Bossing to pull ahead. His hot shooting included a four-point play that helped establish an 81-69 lead going into the final quarter.
This offensive surge was complemented by strong defensive play, pushing Blackwater to lead by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Coach Cariaso’s Strategy
Cariaso remained focused on the upcoming challenges, stating, “We’re just going to pray that what’s meant to be is going to happen. We’ll just do our job and prepare for Monday.” The Blackwater Bossing is now playing for their playoff life, needing a win against Rain or Shine to advance.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Picture
With their victory over the Beermen, the Bossing’s chances of making it to the playoffs look promising, especially with their current momentum.
- Upcoming Game: Blackwater will face Rain or Shine on Monday.
- Standings: Both Blackwater and NLEX will be in contention for the final playoff spots.
NLEX is also in a do-or-die situation, facing Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, which adds more intensity to the final days of the eliminations.
Conclusion
The Blackwater Bossing recently won a big game against the San Miguel Beermen, showing off not just individual talent but also how well they work together as a team. George King played a key role in this victory, and now Blackwater is working hard to secure a spot in the playoffs. Fans and experts are excited to see what happens in Blackwater’s next game, as it could decide their future in this tough league.
