McCarthy steadies ship as Blackwater survives Arana's big game
Rashawn McCarthy exploded for 30 points and steadied the ship for Blackwater against a Justin Arana-led Converge, 102-97, to get back on the winning track in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, June 14.
McCarthy found his rhythm in the second half and unloaded 22 of his total including the dagger hits that all but slammed the door on the FiberXers comeback which rode the broad shoulders of Arana who likewise erupted for 32 points and 17 rebounds. McCarthy nailed a total of five triples – none bigger than the last one he drilled that gave the Bossing a nine-point cushion, 96-87, with 2:57 left, enough to weather even a last ditch rally from the FiberXers. He also made a tough fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Kevin Racal before Baser Amer iced the game with a pair of free throws. Amer and Rey Suerte provided support to McCarthy, both finishing with 12 points as the Bossing improved to a 3-2 record in the standings. Arana, who proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Bossing, threw his weight around inside the paint to help the FiberXers recover from an 11-point, 59-70 deficit after a fiery 16-0 run from Blackwater in the third frame. The 6-foot-6 big man continued to carry the fight in the final frame when he also scored five straight points to pull Converge within five, 97-102, in the final minute before running out of time. Alec Stockton added 15 points while Jerrick Balanza contributed 14 – all of which were not enough as the FiberXers absorbed their third straight defeat for a 1-3 record.
McCarthy found his rhythm in the second half and unloaded 22 of his total including the dagger hits that all but slammed the door on the FiberXers comeback which rode the broad shoulders of Arana who likewise erupted for 32 points and 17 rebounds. McCarthy nailed a total of five triples – none bigger than the last one he drilled that gave the Bossing a nine-point cushion, 96-87, with 2:57 left, enough to weather even a last ditch rally from the FiberXers. He also made a tough fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Kevin Racal before Baser Amer iced the game with a pair of free throws. Amer and Rey Suerte provided support to McCarthy, both finishing with 12 points as the Bossing improved to a 3-2 record in the standings. Arana, who proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Bossing, threw his weight around inside the paint to help the FiberXers recover from an 11-point, 59-70 deficit after a fiery 16-0 run from Blackwater in the third frame. The 6-foot-6 big man continued to carry the fight in the final frame when he also scored five straight points to pull Converge within five, 97-102, in the final minute before running out of time. Alec Stockton added 15 points while Jerrick Balanza contributed 14 – all of which were not enough as the FiberXers absorbed their third straight defeat for a 1-3 record.