MANILA, Philippines – From being a consistent cellar dweller to an undefeated leader, Blackwater has made a huge leap.

After the Bossing’s collision with the rising NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Philippine Cup fixture at Phil. Sports Arena, it will be clear whether they can maintain their perfect record and high position.

NLEX’s attempt to get to 4 to 1 and tie the Dioceldo Sy-owned team’s best beginning with 4-0 during the 2018 Governor’s Cup is something that Blackwater mentor Jeffrey Cariaso knows is exactly what his men need to do, despite their team’s excellent beginning.

“In terms of progress, it’s an outstanding start (other than) we’re continuing to remain empathetic, we’re maintaining concentration ’cause we recognize just how quickly things can turn,” Cariaso added. “In other words, we’ll only need to keep on working diligently.”
Cariaso also emphasized the team’s defense, which helped them defeat Meralco, TNT, and Converge last Wednesday. The Bossing eventually pulled away to win by a score of 90 to 78, covering as much as a 35-point margin.

“We concentrate our premium although our concentration on how we enjoy defending ourselves and that we’re not impeccable,” Cariaso said. ” It indicates a lot of room for growth, specifically… when we make replacements. We are interested in keeping the exact same commitment and focus.”

As coach Frankie Lim puts it, NLEX’s philosophy is to end a long sabbatical with something wonderful to relish.

Blackwater’s first objective will undoubtedly be to suppress Robert Bolick.

Last Saturday, in a 115 to 93 victory over Converge, Bolick scored a game-high 46 points, setting a new career high for the franchise. He also added 5.75 rebounds as well as 6.3 assists, pushing his league-leading average to 32.5 boards.

Lim acknowledged the performances of his highly valued guard, but cautioned that relying too much on Bolick could have negative consequences if the other members of the Road Warriors are unable to perform well.

Meanwhile: Test-taking rivalry between Dyip and Fuel Masters

A fascinating PBA Philippine Cup matchup between Terrafirma and Phoenix Super LPG is anticipated to put each other to the test on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, despite the fact that one team is off to a strong start and the other had a rough opening.
Prior to being defeated 100 to 97 by the TNT Tropang Giga on Saturday, the Dyip had enjoyed their best start in a tournament in years.

But, the Fuel Masters lost against NorthPort Batang Pier 124 to 120 in overtime and were ultimately defeated by Barangay Ginebra’s deadly weapons.

However, one should not discount the Fuel Masters’ recent Commissioner’s Cup semi finalist status.

Jason Perkins, RJ Jazul, and their allies will undoubtedly put Stephen Holt, Juami Tiongson, and the rest of the members of the Terrafima gang to the test.

In the event that young assassin Tyler Tio is cleared to return from an injury, coach Jamike Jarin’s team should be much more formidable.
In the ensuing overtime loss to the Batang Pier, Tio was 2-of-4 from outside the arc and finished as the team’s second-best scorer with 19 points. However, he was hobbling on the sidelines of their match versus the Gin Kings while dressed in civilian clothes.

However, the Fuel Masters undoubtedly possess other weapons and ammunition to use against the Dyip.

On the other hand, Terrafirma is anticipated to rely significantly on its potent combination of Stephen Holt and Juami Tiongson.

Tiongson has averaged 24.0 points per game through three games in the tournament, trailing only Robert Bolick (32.5) and Jamie Malonzo (24.5).

In his role, Holt is scoring 22.6 points, pulling down 8.3 rebounds, and dishing out 5.0 assists a contest.

With an average of 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, Perkins has been the Engine Masters’ main player.