MANILA, Philippines – In order to regain momentum in the 2022–23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Blackwater resisted the need to succumb to the upset ax and instead capitalized on Terrafirma’s unfortunate circumstances, defeating them 93 to 86

In the final stretch, Cameron Krutwig and Baser Amer came through, preventing the Dyip from defeating the Bossing to snap a dreadful losing streak that dates back to the Governors’ Cup of 2021 to 2022.

The club has now suffered its 21st straight loss, falling eight short of the record held by, coincidentally, the exact same squad who compounded their problems.

Ariel Vanguardia, the team’s head coach, recalled his team’s nearly two-season long 29-game winless streak by saying, “We’ve been in that scenario last year.” “Last year, when we were desperate for a victory, the situation was the same.

“Now, it’s the reverse,” added the veteran mentor. “Sila ‘yung gustong-gusto manalo, kami naman ‘yung up-and-coming, kumbaga. [the are the one who want to win and we are the up-and-coming]”

Blackwater had every reason to be on guard as their ravenous opponents came back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit and even seized the lead with 69 to 63 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, setting up a see-saw struggle that lasted the entire game.

But when it mattered most, they were the more effective team; with 1:47 remaining, Krutwig made a three-point play to give them an 86- to 83 lead. Moments later, he made a crucial assist that set up Rashawn McCarthy’s triple to increase the margin to six.

After JP Calvo’s own attempt, the Dyip still didn’t submit, but Amer closed the door on them in the closing seconds with flawless trips to the foul line.

Lumamang kami, pero bumalik sila. But ano lang, [we are a head, but they came back] I think we did a pretty good job with our poise,” lauded Vanguardia, glad with the resolve his wards showed after their meltdown against NorthPort the last time out.

Krutwig led the Bossing to a 3 to 3 card with a final tally of 29 points, 24 rebounds, his first 20 to 20 performance, three assists, and two steals.

Amer finished with 21 points, four assists, and five rebounds. McCarthy chipped in with 10 points off the bench, while Troy Rosario contributed 15 points and five rebounds.

We’re now down 3 to 3 and it’s 0 to 0 once more. Alam namin, that next game is going to be challenging. On October 22, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, Blackwater will play TNT. Vanguardia remarked, “We’ve got to get past that and be consistent.

Lester Prosper, on the other hand, led Terrafirma in the heartbreaking loss with a PBA career-low 18 points and 11 rebounds.

A Dyip team without Juami Tiongson due to injury was led by Andreas Cahilig’s 12 points, while Calvo and Aldrech Ramos each chipped in 10 points.

It was undoubtedly difficult for them to play without their starting point guard, but the team showed some promise when it came back from the previously mentioned double-digit hole by going on a ferocious 14 to 0 run to take the lead late in the third.

They battled the Bossing till the end, and with 2:08 remaining, Cahilig nailed a three to break the shot clock and tie the game at 83 all.

The game was eventually won by them thanks to a 10 to 3 run that Krutwig started in an effort to thwart their attempt at an upset.

Scores at the end of the match

Blackwater with 93 points

Individual Scores: Krutwig 29, Amer 21, Rosario 15, McCarthy 10, Ular 6, Suerte 5, Banal 3, Jackson 2, Ayonayon 2, Taha 0, Sena 0, Go 0

Terrafirma with 86 points

Individual Scores: Priosper 18, Cahilig 12, Calvo 10m Ramos 10, Munzon 9, Cabagnot 7, Alolino 6, Gomez de Liano 6, Mina 5, Gabayni 2, Camson 0, Javelona 0

Scores per quarter

15 to 12, 37 to 36, 63 to 63, 93 to 86.