In a heart-stopping showdown at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, Blackwater pulled off a gutsy win against the formidable San Miguel Beer, clinching a nail-biting victory of 103-101 in the PBA On Tour preseason. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the game unfolded with intense action and electrifying performances.
Leading the charge for Blackwater was the sensational Troy Rosario, who showcased his exceptional skills with a solid performance. Rosario contributed 19 points, accompanied by five rebounds and four assists. His leadership on the court proved crucial in keeping Blackwater in the game, matching San Miguel’s shorthanded lineup stride for stride.
However, it was Jayvee Casio who emerged as the hero of the night. With just 22 seconds remaining on the clock, Casio stepped up to the free-throw line and sank three crucial shots, giving Blackwater a slim 102-101 lead. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as the underdogs suddenly turned the tides in their favor.
San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz attempted to steal the victory in the final seconds but missed his jumper, and in the process, fouled Baser Amer. With nerves of steel, Amer calmly sealed the deal from the free-throw line, cementing Blackwater’s triumphant win.
The game seemed destined for San Miguel’s victory when they orchestrated an impressive 8-0 run, spearheaded by the efforts of Allyn Bulanadi and Cruz. This commanding surge propelled the Beermen to a 101-99 advantage, leaving the crowd wondering if Blackwater had any fight left in them.
But fate had a different plan. As Casio fired a trey, he was ruthlessly fouled on his landing spot. The resulting free throws became a turning point in the game, shattering San Miguel’s hopes and igniting Blackwater’s spirits. The resilient efforts of Allyn Bulanadi, who contributed a game-high 26 points, went down the drain as the Beermen succumbed to their fifth consecutive defeat.
San Miguel’s depleted lineup, missing the likes of June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Terrence Romeo, and Mo Tautuaa, couldn’t withstand the relentless onslaught from Blackwater. Despite their valiant efforts, the absence of key players proved to be their downfall.
Blackwater’s back-to-back triumphs marked a significant turning point for the team in the PBA On Tour. With five players scoring in double figures, including the standout performances of Rosario and Casio, the Bossing displayed a well-rounded attack. The team improved to 5-3, a testament to their resilience and determination.
Returning head coach Jeff Cariaso, who recently concluded his two-month stint in the United States, expressed his delight at the team’s performance. He challenged his players to string together consecutive wins and was thrilled to see them deliver on that challenge.
The victory was a cause for celebration for the Blackwater faithful, as their team overcame the odds and emerged triumphant against one of the league’s powerhouses. It was a thrilling display of skill, determination, and resilience—a game that will be remembered for years to come in PBA On Tour history. Blackwater had truly etched their names in the annals of basketball greatness with this memorable upset victory over San Miguel Beer.