MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater broke into the win column after claiming the scalp of Magnolia, 97-91 in a king-sized upset in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Sedrick Barefield knocked down six triples or 22 of his 26 points in the second half which powered the Bossing’s against the Hotshots.
Robert Upshaw, taking the spot for the injured Daniel Ochefu, also delivered big after finishing with 35 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks to help Blackwater end a two-game skid to start the conference.
The Hotshots dropped to 0-3 under new coach LA Tenorio.
“He was huge,” said Barefield of Upshaw. “You can see the presence that he had down low, the rebounds, he hit a big 4 down the stretch. It’s just who he is as a person and as a teammate. He lifts us all up so it’s great to have him.” Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso liked what he saw from Upshaw.
“That really goes to taking over down the stretch. I think that’s what you need from an import. He has to be reliable and be able to play at his highest or at his best, especially in the fourth quarter,” said Cariaso.
Nuni Omot led Magnolia with 38 points , seven rebounds and nine assists but had six turnovers.