Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:25 pm GMT
Blackwater’s playoff hopes flicker with thrilling win over San Miguel Beermen
The Blackwater Bossing showcased their resilience and determination in a crucial match against the San Miguel Beermen, pulling off a surprising 111-94 victory on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With this win, Blackwater keeps its dreams of advancing to the playoffs alive, thanks to a spectacular performance from George King.
George King’s Historic Night
George King dominated the court, scoring an impressive 49 points—a testament to his skill and determination. His shooting was precise, hitting 14 of 29 attempts, including four three-pointers. He also contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds.
“The guys just are not willing to give up yet. It shows the character of our team,” said Blackwater Head Coach Jeff Cariaso. He acknowledged the challenge posed by San Miguel, particularly in the absence of their import Jordan Adams, who was sidelined due to a strained hamstring. Despite this setback, Coach Cariaso emphasized the effort put forth by his team.
- Key contributions from the Bossing:
- George King: 49 points, 11 rebounds
– Barefield: 14 points
– Chua: 9 points
The victory marks Blackwater’s first win over San Miguel since October 6, 2022, breaking a 14-game losing streak against them. The match was crucial as the Bossing are vying for a spot in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) Governors’ Cup playoffs.
Race for the Playoffs
With this win, Blackwater now holds a 4-5 record, tying them with NLEX for the fourth and final playoff slot in Pool B. This sets up a tense scenario for their next match against Rain or Shine on Monday. For the Bossing to secure a playoff spot, they not only need to win but also rely on NLEX to lose to Barangay Ginebra.
Coach Cariaso stated, “We just have to do our job and prepare for the Monday game because that’s the only thing we can control.” This determination highlights the team’s focus on their own performance while remaining hopeful about the outcomes of other matches.
Beermen’s Struggles
San Miguel, on the other hand, faced a challenging game, suffering their second consecutive loss following their defeat against Rain or Shine. The Beermen ended the eliminations with a 6-4 win-loss record. Without Adams, the team struggled to find their rhythm, though June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez did manage to deliver notable performances.
- Key performances from the Beermen:
– Fajardo: 23 points, 12 rebounds
– Perez: 21 points, 8 rebounds
Despite their efforts, San Miguel could not match Blackwater’s intensity. Coach Cariaso noted the impact of Adams’ absence, saying, “Even without an import, San Miguel is still very, very strong.”
Meralco Bolts’ Record Win
In another game on the same day, the Meralco Bolts achieved a historic win against Terrafirma Dyip, claiming a massive 124-82 victory. This impressive margin represents the largest win in Meralco’s franchise history.
- Top performers for Meralco:
– Alvin Pasaol: 24 points
– CJ Cansino: 15 points
– Allen Durham: 14 points
The Bolts’ strong start set the tone for the match, leading by 19 points after the first quarter. They solidified their spot in the quarterfinals with this dominant performance, as they aim to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
As Blackwater prepares for their pivotal game against Rain or Shine, the pressure builds. A win could mean the difference between playoff glory and elimination. The team has shown they can compete at a high level, and they’ll need every bit of that determination in their final stretch.
“I think we are becoming the kind of team that we want to be,” Coach Cariaso reflected on the recent performances. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, every game counts, and Blackwater is ready to fight for their chance.
Blackwater’s exciting win against San Miguel has brought new life to their chances of making the playoffs. With an important game coming up, the Bossing need to keep up their good energy to secure a spot in the postseason. As the PBA season gets more intense, fans will definitely be on the edge of their seats!
