Titan Ultra's Fran Yu in action. PBA Images
MANILA — Titan Ultra finally halted its four-game skid at Blackwater's expense, 97-86, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Fran Yu admitted the team became more fortified after a 111-112 heartbreaker at the hands of Anton Asistio and Rain or Shine — a game they could have won if not for the ex-Ateneo guard's clutch hits from the 15-foot line, 2.1 seconds left.
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They prepared well for this game, Yu said.
"After no'ng game last time, nagkaroon kami ng get-together, bago kami mag-break. Tapos ayon, sinabi ng mga coaches at tsaka ng management na kalimutan na 'yon, kasi mahaba pa naman 'yung season," said Yu, who poured in 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals to collect the Best Player of the Game nod.
"Pagbalik namin nung [November] 2, nag-prepare kami nang maayos para hindi na maulit 'yung ganung breakdown sa fourth quarter," he went on.
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True enough, Yu anchored a run that saw them pull away in the payoff period — from a close 72-70 lead, he nailed a four-point play, following it with a three-pointer later on, complemented by a Joshua Munzon basket to install an 81-70 lead.
Yu contributed another trey under the four-minute mark in the fourth period, 88-77, to keep the Bossing at bay.
The Letran product did not act alone, as Calvin Abueva was a marvel on scoring and rebounding, posting a 23-14 stat line, while Munzon finished with 18 markers.
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Titan Ultra also found the contributions from Aljun Melecio and Von Pessumal, who registered 11 and 10 points, respectively.
On the other hand, the Bossing were still winless in their four-game run, after starting the conference with a resounding 107-87 win over Terrafirma.
Sedrick Barefield uncorked 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists to pace his side of the court, while Troy Mallillin also had 17 markers and four boards.
The Giant Risers will enter the PBA hardcourt again on Sunday, November 9, against Barangay Ginebra, while Blackwater battles Converge next on an earlier game date on Nov. 8.
The Scores:
TITAN 97 – Abueva 23, Munzon 18, Yu 14, Melecio 11, Pessumal 10, Flores 7, Balanza 5, Ambohot 3, Dionisio 3, Cuntapay 1, Barasi 0, Ular 0, Sumang 0
BLACKWATER 86 – Barefield 18, Mallilin 17, Panopio 15, David 15, Tratter 6, Mendoza 5, Guinto 4, Andrade 2, Escoto 2, Murrell 0, Zamar 0, Dumont 0, Jopia 0
QUARTERS: 20-18, 42-47, 71-67, 97-86