Bossing rally past Fuel Masters, end three-game skid

Blackwater erased a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Phoenix Super LPG, 106-100, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Bossing outscored the Fuel Masters, 29-14, in the final period to snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 3-3 in Group B.

"We're very happy that we had this win," Blackwater head coach Patrick Aquino said. "It's a good start to the second round. Hopefully we can push more and get some more wins."

Kentrell Barkley led the Bossing with 34 points and 16 rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield added 26 points in a strong bounce-back effort. RK Ilagan contributed 15 points and six rebounds, including several key baskets down the stretch.

Trailing 86-77 entering the fourth quarter, Blackwater opened the final period with an 11-0 run sparked by Barefield to grab an 88-86 advantage.

Barkley and Barefield continued to fuel the surge, extending the lead to 92-88 midway through the quarter.

Phoenix answered behind Jason Perkins and Ricci Rivero, but Ilagan buried a three-pointer as the shot clock expired to give the Bossing a 95-93 cushion with 3:25 remaining.

Barefield and Troy Mallillin then combined for the decisive baskets as Blackwater stretched the margin to 103-93 with under a minute to play.

"We knew we were better than how we performed in the last game," Barefield said after helping the Bossing avenge their 103-92 loss to Phoenix in the first round.

"I wanted to be more aggressive and not settle as much, and I think we did a better job on that today."

Aquino also received solid contributions from rookie James Una, who posted eight points and 10 rebounds, while Mallillin added eight points off the bench.

Blackwater will try to build on the victory when it faces Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Phoenix fell to 4-2 despite a career-high 45-point performance from import BJ Johnson, who also grabbed seven rebounds.

Rivero finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Kai Ballungay contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Fuel Masters remain tied with Rain or Shine atop Group B and will face the Elasto Painters in a rematch on Sunday.