Giant Risers prevail over Bossing

MANILA, Philippines -- Titan Ultra squandered a 20-point lead but did just enough to outlast the Blackwater Bossing, 102-98, in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup Wednesday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. 

The Giant Risers returned to the win column, going up 2-3 in the import-laden conference, while Blackwater dropped to a 1-4 slate. 

Joshua Munzon powered Titan with 25 points, to go with four assists and four rebounds.Michael Gilmore chipped in 21 markers, 15 boards and two dimes, while Aris Dionisio had 11 points for the winning team. 

“We just talked about it at halftime, that's basketball. Lalamang ka, after that all of a sudden makahabol ang kalaban. But still I give credit to the players because di sila bumigay especially the run of Blackwater,” Titan head coach Rensy Bajar said after the game. 

“Kumbaga andoon pa rin kami, nag-stick pa rin kami together at the same time yung battle cry namin is to play defense all the time. Yun lang ang dinala namin through the fourth quarter,” he added. 

Titan led by as many as 20 points in the first half, 47-27, after three free throws by Von Pessumal. 

But a massive 23-5 run capped by a jumper by Sedrick Barefield made it a two point game, 50-52, before Michael Gilmore’s deuce gave Titan a 54-50 lead at the half. 

Blackwater was able to get the lead in the fourth, 87-86, as the two teams traded buckets. 

Titan unleashed eight straight points to get a 94-87 lead, but the Bossing kept in step with their opponents, trailing by just four, 94-98, within the last two minutes. 

But a massive 4-pointer to beat the shot clock by Munzon plunged the dagger to the hearts of Blackwater, 102-94. 

Layups by Robert Upshaw III and Richard Escoto came a little too late. 

Fran Yu, Ato Ular and Pao Javillonar had seven points each in the win. 

Upshaw and Barefield had 25 points each for Blackwater. Dalph Panopio chipped in 10 markers in the loss.