Blackwater downs Phoenix without import

Blackwater secured a crucial 100-92 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, relying solely on their local players to keep their playoff aspirations alive.

The Bossing played without their import George King, who was sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in the previous game.

Veterans Justin Chua and Jvee Casio, alongside Christian David, Jewel Ponferada, and Michael Ayonayon, stepped up to lead Blackwater to their third win in eleven games.

Justin Chua delivered a strong performance with 22 points including a crucial basket that sparked Blackwater's closing 8-0 run, and he also grabbed 11 rebounds.

Christian David added 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Casio contributed 14 points, and Ponferada and Ayonayon chipped in 10 and 11 points, respectively.

Despite the win, Blackwater's playoff chances remain uncertain and depend on the outcome of another game.

Phoenix, despite 32 points from import Donovan Smith and 19 from Jason Perkins, settled for another loss, dropping to an identical 3-8 win-loss record.

Head coach Jeff Cariaso expressed immense pride in his team's effort, focus, energy, and cohesion, especially given the challenge of playing without their import on short notice.