Blackwater notches first win in PBA Commissioner's Cup, snaps Meralco's three-game streak

After three losses, Blackwater finally barged into the win column at the expense of Meralco, 114-98, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Bolts were leading 86-85 early in the fourth period before the Bossing pulled away to reclaim the lead. Blackwater made an 8-0 run before Bong Quinto's split stopped the Bossing's rally at the 6:26 mark.

Sedrick Barefield's jumper and Christian David's triple gave Blackwater a 101-89 lead with less than five minutes remaining before baskets from Aaron Black and Cliff Hodge cut the deficit for the Bolts.

Blackwater had a 109-95 lead with less than two minutes left before Chris Newsome completed a three-point play to give the Bolts a fighting chance. However, James Kwekuteye's triple and late layup handed the win to the Bossing.

Barefield registered 33 points while import George King had 32 points and 14 rebounds for the Bossing who improved to 1-3.

Newsome led Meralco's all-Filiipino squad with 22 points, while Quinto added 19. Hodge posted 13 points and 10 boards as the Bolts' record was stained, 3-1.

Scores:

Blackwater 114 – Barefield 33, King 32, David 17, Kwekuteye 10, Ilagan 6, Suerte 6, Casio 4, Chua 4, Montalbo 2, Jopia 0, Escoto 0, Hill 0, Guinto 0

Meralco 98 – Newsome 22, Quinto 19, Hodge 13, Black 12, Jose 8, Reyson 7, Rios 5, Torres 5, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Pascual 0

Quarters: 28-21, 48-49, 83-79, 114-98.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News