George King of Blackwater goes for a layup against Meralco in their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup game, December 12, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images
MANILA -- Blackwater grabbed its first win of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Thursday, pulling away for a 114-98 win against an undermanned Meralco squad at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Bolts, playing without an import, kept in step with the Bossing for three quarters before running out of steam in the final period.
Filipino-American swingman Sedrick Barefield put up 33 points and nine dimes, while George King had a 32-point, 14-rebound double-double to lead the way for the Bossing.
Blackwater finally got on the board after dropping its first three assignments of the conference, while the Bolts fell to 3-1.
King scored 13 of his 32 points in the third quarter, helping Blackwater gain an 83-79 advantage. They went on to out-score the Bolts 31-19 in the final quarter to take complete control of the contest.
A James Kwekuteye layup with under a minute left pegged the final score while also securing the Bossing's biggest lead of the contest.
Chris Newsome had 22 points and Bong Quinto added 19 for the Bolts, who also got a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double from Cliff Hodge.
Meralco will have a chance to bounce back on Christmas Day against Converge, while Blackwater looks to build on this win against a slumping San Miguel squad on Sunday, December 15.
The 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