After breakthrough win vs Magnolia, Blackwater looks to carry over momentum to next season

The longest losing streak in the 46-year history of the PBA came to a close after Blackwater hammered out a 101-100 win over Magnolia on Wednesday to finish the season with a 1-10 card.

Bossing head coach Ariel Vanguardia had hoped the emphatic win came a bit earlier in the season, but the veteran mentor said their breakthrough victory was just the start of bigger things coming Blackwater's way next season.

"It's really a process," an emotional Vanguardia said in Filipino during his first post-game interview as Blackwater coach.

"There were games that we could have won really. It could have turned the season for us.  Those [were the] chances that we weren't able to handle. Now, the monkey's off our back and hopefully come next season, we'll try to really build this team."

The win serves as Blackwater's first since October 17, 2020, when it escaped NLEX with a 98-88 victory during the Philippine Cup. Since then, the Bossing had lost all of their matches for a record 29-game losing dry spell.

After a 0-10 card in the Governors' Cup, Vanguardia said he reminded his wards that they still have one game to improve a winless campaign last All-Filipino Conference.

The players responded even though they were up against a Magnolia side who was on a roll after having won all of its three previous games for a 9-1 slate. Regardless of the result, the Hotshots are already assured of a playoff berth and a twice-to-beat bonus.

"It's difficult because if I were coaching the opposing team, I would not want Blackwater to snap their skid against my team," said Vanguardia. "I'm just happy that the team was able to respond."

—MGP, GMA News