Blackwater redeemed itself from an embarrassing 46-point loss in its debut, staving off Phoenix, 97-85, to pick up its first win in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Baser Amer showed the way with 24 points in the victory that not only allowed the Bossing to bounce back from the tough loss but also ended the team’s seven-game slump bridging the all-Filipino Cup and the import-laden mid-season conference.
Still reeling from their opening game loss, Blackwater started out flat as it found itself trailing by double-digits in the opening frame after a blistering 14-3 start from Phoenix.
Off-season acquisition Troy Rosario, who was solid in his debut with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, went on to work alongside Amer to tow their team to within one, 24-23,at the end of the first 12 minutes of the game.
Timely contributions then from Gab Banal and Rey Suerte, who finished 10 and 15 points respectively, allowed the Bossing to regain footing before Amer took charge in the third quarter where he dropped 11 points to seize full control of the match.
Blackwater import Cameron Krutwig also bounced back from a so-so performance in his first game finishing with 17 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.
Phoenix showed some fight behind import Kaleb Wesson who posted an impressive 28 points and 26 rebounds performance, but the Bossing got a firm hold of the lead that went to as many as 14 late in the third quarter.