New import Upshaw powers Bossing to first win

MANILA, Philippines -- It seems that with a new import comes a new dawn for the Blackwater Bossing. 

Led by new import Robert Upshaw III and spitfire guard Sedrick Barefield, the Bossing finally won a game in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of the freefalling Magnolia Hotshots, 97-91, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday evening. 

Upshaw, who replaced Daniel Ochefu after the Bossing’s 0-2 start to the import-laden conference, finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds and six assists along with three blocks.

The 7-feet-tall American also connected on three of his six 4-pointers. 

Sedrick Barefield scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half to help Blackwater grab their first win in 13 games, which dated back to the previous conference. 

“He had a couple days, so we're lucky to have that because he arrived the day of our last game. Like I said, we're getting to know Rob, and so far it's been great because personality-wise, character-wise, you know he's a professional, and he keeps things light,” Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso said. 

“He's a pro, but he knows how to keep it light. That really uplifts the team, and that's what's happening so far. He showcased how dominant he could be,” he added. 

A deuce by Rome dela Rosa pushed Magnolia ahead, 76-74, with 8:15 remaining. 

Ten straight points by Blackwater, off of a deuce by Upshaw and eight straight points by Barefield, made it a 84-76 lead with 3:21 remaining. 

Nuni Omot then went on a personal 5-0 run, before Barefield dialed in a huge triple, 87-81, with two minutes to go. 

Ian Sangalang retaliated with a trey of his own, but Upshaw plunged the dagger on the Hotshots’ chest with a 4-pointer, 91-84, with 58.6 seconds to go. 

Magnolia was able to cut the deficit to four twice in the final minute, but finishing touches by Abu Tratter, Christian David and Barefield put the icing on the cake. According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the win ended Blackwater's eight-conference losing streak against Magnolia, dating back to the 2022 Philippine Cup. 

David Murrell chipped in nine points for the winning team while Tratter added eight. David finished with seven markers. 

Omot top-scored for Magnolia with 38 points on 15-of-22 shooting. He also flirted with a triple-double with nine assists and seven rebounds. Zav Lucero and Sangalang backstopped with 15 and 12 markers, respectively.

Blackwater rose to 1-2 in the standings, while the Hotshots dropped to 0-3.