Blackwater finally arrested a seven-game losing skid, salvaging some measure of pride with a 102-73 victory over Phoenix to end the 2024 Philippine Cup on a bright note on Saturday, May 4 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Only fighting to somehow get a winning end to the miserable conferences for both squads, the Bossing emerged as the one who wanted it more as they pulled away in the final frame to wrap up the season with a 4-7 win-loss record for 10th place.

The finish was an improvement for Blackwater which went on to lose their next 10 games to end up dead last in the standings after winning the first game last conference.

A huge reason behind the better ending for the Bossing were Troy Rosario and Jaydee Tungcab, who both spearheaded a back-breaking 18-2 run that put Blackwater ahead in double digits, 83-71, after trailing by four, 65-69, heading into the final frame.

Rosario, scoring just four points in the first two quarters, took charge and finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds – 11 coming from the offensive end. Tungcab, meanwhile, saved his best for last, pouring in a career-best 19 points, built on five triples.

Rey Nambatac also contributed 16 points, Bradwyn Guinto and RK Ilagan with 11 points apiece and Richard Escoto with 10 points.

Jason Perkins paced Phoenix with 22 points and eight rebounds, holding the fort to his team’s depleted frontline that missed the services of Raoul Soyud, Matthew Daves, and Larry Muyang.

That had been the summary of the conference for the Fuel Masters as they never really got their footing even after lead guard Tyler Tio went down with an ankle injury early in the conference. 

It was a huge ‘what could have been’ if Phoenix didn’t suffer injuries that hurt their chances this conference, especially that they all had the momentum following a semifinals run in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Phoenix exited the conference at the 11th spot on a 3-8 record, just slightly ahead Converge at the 12th with a 2-9 slate.