Jvee Casio showed veteran poise and coolly sank three crucial free throws with 22 seconds left to help Blackwater survive a late San Miguel Beer rally, 103-101, in the PBA on Tour at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Sunday, July 2.

Jvee Casio saves the day for Blackwater (PBA Images)

With the Bossing suddenly finding themselves down by two points after a furious fightback from the Beermen, Casio took matters into his own hands and drew a foul from John Apacible while taking a triple.

Casio then gave Blackwater the lead for good with the free throws before the rest of the Bossing held on for their final defensive possession to bag the team’s fifth win against three losses.

The three free throws were the only points the veteran playmaker scored in the final frame to finish with 13 points. It was also enough to preserve another splendid effort from Troy Rosario who led the way with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Mike Digregorio and Baser Amer also chipped in 13 apiece.

Blackwater appeared to be pulling away for good with three minutes left in the final frame behind Rosario who struck five straight points that gave the Bossing a 99-93 lead.

Allyn Bulanadi and Jericho Cruz, however, joined hands and anchored an 8-0 fightback for the Beermen who took a precarious two-point lead, 101-99, with 36 seconds remaining.

That, however, only set the table for Casio’s heroics, sending the Beermen reeling to their fifth straight loss after starting the pre-season exhibition games with a 2-1 slate.

Bulanadi and Cruz both picked up the slack for the still depleted SMB which was still without its main five and as well as Terrence Romeo and Mo Tautuaa. Bulanadi finished with 26 points while Cruz added 25.