BLACKWATER played without its prolific import George King, but the Bossing battled hard and pulled off a king-sized 100-92 upset win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Tuesday night, January 21, in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Bossing belatedly learned that King would not be able to suit up due to a foot injury, leaving a gaping hole in the team’s offense as the shifty reinforcement is averaging 34.5 points a game.

The absence of King hardly mattered as the Blackwater locals stepped up big-time with Justin Chua, Christian David, Jayvee Casio, Mike Ayonayon, and Jewel Ponferada all scoring in double figures.

Chua dropped 22 points and 11 rebounds, David had his own double-double of 20 and 11 while the veteran Casio tallied 14 points and five assists.

Mike Ayonayon added 11 points and four assists and Ponferada had 10 points and five boards for the Bossing, who kept their playoff hopes alive with their third win in 11 matches.

It was a disappointing loss for the Fuel Masters, who couldn’t capitalize on their opponent’s handicap as they suffered a third straight loss to fall to 3-8 (win-loss).

Going down the drain was Donovan Smith’s game-high 32 points. Jason Perkins added 19 points and RJ Jazul had 12 for Phoenix, who charged back from a 15-point deficit and tied the contest at 92-all.

Blackwater thwarted Phoenix’s rally, launching an 8-0 attack to seal the impressive win.

THE SCORES:

BLACKWATER (100) - Chua 22, David 20, Casio 14, Ayonayon 11, Ponferrada 10, Tungcab 9, Ilagan 7, Escoto 3, Jopia 2, Kwekuteye 2, Guinto 0, Mitchell 0.

PHOENIX (92) - Smith 32, Perkins 19, Jazul 12, Salado 7, Tuffin 5, Alejandro 4, Manganti 3, Tio 2, Ballungay 2, Camacho 2, Garcia 0, Daves 0, Verano 0, Rivero 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 23-17, 51-49, 72-72, 100-92.(CCM)

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