Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 7:22 am GMT
Blackwater’s stunning victory over San Miguel Beermen might just be the turning point the team needed to keep its playoff hopes alive. With a score of 111-94, the Bossing showcased their mettle against an import-less Beermen team, bolstered by an impressive performance from George King, who scored a remarkable 49 points. This game fuels Blackwater’s aspirations for the playoffs as they fight for the last spot in Pool B of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
A Key Win for Blackwater
The match held at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on September 21 marked a crucial moment for the Blackwater Bossing. With this victory, they improved their record to 4-5, keeping alive their chance to advance in the tournament. However, the road ahead is still challenging; they need other results to fall in their favor.
- Blackwater must win their final match against Rain or Shine (currently 7-2).
- NLEX must lose to Barangay Ginebra (6-3) to secure Blackwater’s spot in the quarterfinals.
Coach Jeff Cariaso expressed his gratitude after the game, highlighting the significance of the win. “We want to stay alive tonight and that’s what happened,” he said, emphasizing the team’s focus on the games they can control.
George King’s Stellar Performance
George King has been a pivotal player for Blackwater since joining the team. After replacing Ricky Ledo, King has led the Bossing in all four of their wins this conference, showcasing his offensive skills and teamwork.
- Scoring Exploit: King shot an incredible 14-of-29 from the field, adding 11 rebounds to his stats.
- Building Team Chemistry: King praised his teammates, noting their camaraderie and support since his arrival. “I knew I’m around my type of guys,” he shared, reflecting on the positive atmosphere within the team.
In the postgame press conference, King declared his time with Blackwater as the best of his career, crediting head coach Jeff Cariaso for creating an effective and simple game plan that suits the players well. He stated, “Honestly, you (Cariaso) are the best coach that I played for.”
George King leads the Blackwater Bossing to victory with a phenomenal performance against San Miguel.
San Miguel’s Struggles
San Miguel Beermen entered the match without key players, significantly impacting their performance. The absence of Jordan Adams, recovering from a hamstring injury, and the sidelining of Mo Tautuaa left the Beermen struggling for consistent offensive production.
- Top Performers: June Mar Fajardo logged a double-double with 23 points and 21 rebounds, while CJ Perez contributed 21 points.
- Challenges in Match: Unable to secure an import and relying heavily on Fajardo, the Beermen’s tactics fell short against a revitalized Blackwater squad.
Even though they secured a playoff spot earlier in the season, San Miguel’s current form raises concerns. After the loss, their record stands at 6-4, casting uncertainty over their standing in the playoffs.
Pivotal Upcoming Matches
The tension builds as Blackwater prepares for its next challenge against Rain or Shine. Winning is imperative for their playoff chances, and they await NLEX’s fate against Barangay Ginebra for that additional boost.
<h3.Key Upcoming Match Details:
- Blackwater Bossing vs. Rain or Shine
– Date: September 23
– Importance: Must win for playoff contention
- NLEX vs. Barangay Ginebra
– Date: September 22
– Importance: A loss for NLEX helps Blackwater’s playoff chances
Continued Impact on Blackwater
Regardless of whether they make it past the eliminations, King has expressed gratitude for the camaraderie and lessons learned from his time with the Bossing. “I’m really enjoying my time here in the Philippines, playing for Blackwater,” he stated, emphasizing the relationships build on and off the court.
This spirit and positive outlook can help shape the team as they strive for greater achievements, whether they advance in the current tournament or not.
Another Milestone for Meralco
In other league action, the Meralco Bolts claimed a historic victory against the Terrafirma Dyip, winning 124-82. This became Meralco’s biggest win margin in franchise history, highlighting their strong performance as they march ahead into the playoffs.
- Standout Players: Alvin Pasaol led with 21 points, while rookie CJ Cansino added 15 points off the bench.
- Dominance in the Game: The Bolts established control early, leading by 19 points after the first quarter.
As the PBA Governors’ Cup heats up, all eyes will be on Blackwater’s next game. A victory could not only serve as redemption against Rain or Shine but also bring them closer to their playoff dreams. The matchup promises to be a thrilling showcase of determination and skill as Blackwater seeks to secure its place in the playoffs while warding off adversity.
The events happening in the league show just how exciting and unpredictable professional basketball can be. Every game is important, and every point really counts!
