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| NLEX star Robert Bolick. Photo: Facebook. |
Sharpshooter Sedrick Barefield provided the spark for the Bossing, exploding for 28 points while drilling six triples. His three straight three-pointers in the fourth quarter proved decisive, stretching a slim six-point margin into a comfortable 13-point cushion, 81-68, that Phoenix failed to recover from.
Barefield’s hot hand was complemented by guard Jed Mendoza, who is trying to earn a roster spot after being released by Magnolia in the offseason. Mendoza chipped in 16 points and impressed with his energy on both ends. Forward Troy Mallillin also delivered with 17 markers and six rebounds.
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| Blackwater guard Sedrick Barefield. Photo: Facebook. |
On the other side, Phoenix relied on Jason Perkins and newcomer Kai Ballungay, who tallied 12 points apiece. The contest also marked the first outing of the Fuel Masters under newly appointed head coach Willie Wilson, who is still looking to establish chemistry with his squad.
Meanwhile, in the second game of the double-header, NLEX Road Warriors staved off a furious Converge rally to escape with a 95-88 victory.
NLEX led by as much as 18 points, but Converge clawed back to tie the score at 88-all entering the final stretch. With the game on the line, Richie Rodger drained a clutch three-pointer with 1:31 left to give the Road Warriors the separation they needed.
Veteran guard Robert Bolick anchored NLEX with 22 points, while Brandon Ramirez and Robbie Herndon added 14 and 12, respectively. Their balanced attack allowed the Road Warriors to keep pace with Blackwater at the top of the standings.
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| Robert Bolick. Photo: Facebook. |
Converge showed resilience despite the loss, with Alec Stockton, Justine Baltazar, Bryan Santos, and King Caralipio scoring 11 points each. However, the FiberXers fell short in the final minutes, failing to capitalize on their comeback surge.
Tournament action continues Friday, with Phoenix looking to bounce back against Converge at 5 p.m., followed by a heavyweight clash between Blackwater and NLEX at 7 p.m. Both games will be streamed live on Madayaw Sports Davao’s official Facebook page with commentary from Rey Andrew Alonsagay and coach Rocky Mejos.
The Scores:
First Game
Blackwater (94) - Barefield 28, Mallillin 17, Mendoza 16, Tratter 8, Ilagan 8, Andrade 6, Bayla 4, Comboy 2, Murrell 2, Zamar 1, Jopia 1, Guinto 0.
Phoenix (81) - Perkins 12, Ballungay 12, Rivero R. 10, Tio 9, Salado 7, Jazul 6, Escandor 5, Tuffin 4, Verano 4, Manganti 4, Garcia 4, Alejandro 2, Ular 2, Rivero P. 0.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 40-32, 68-61, 94-81.
Second Game
NLEX (95) - Bolick 22, Ramirez 14, Herndon 12, Semerad 8, Policarpio 7, Fajardo 7, Mocon 6, Rodger 4, Valdez 4, Torres 3, Amer 3, Marcelo 0.
Converge (88) - Stockton 11, Baltazar 11, Santos B. 11, Caralipio 11, Arana 9, Racal 8, Suerte 7, Delos Santos 7, Javillonar 7, Garcia 5, Santos 1, Casio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-26, 51-45, 77-63, 95-88.