Bossing pull off late run vs Hotshots for second straight win

MANILA, Philippines -- Blackwater rolled to its second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup after pulling away late against the Magnolia Hotshots, 89-81, Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Bossing finished the game with a 10-0 run to tally their second win in as many games in the import-laden conference, while keeping Magnolia winless through two games. 

Kentrell Barkley finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and an assist. RK Ilagan had 20 markers in the victory. 

“Credit is due to the players, not to me. They played until the end and that's what we talked about, having to finish the game,” Blackwater head coach Pat Aquino said. 

“I know I've said in the early, in the huddle that, you know, no frustration. I know sometimes that we're not gonna get our shot. We're not gonna play that good defense. But, you know, you just continue playing on and just happy with the way we played today.” 

Blackwater led by five,79-74, with 5:40 remaining in the game. 

But Magnolia’s Kenyon Buffen waxed hot with seven straight points to push the Hotshots ahead, 81-79, with 3:58 left. 

Barkley and Ilagan then turned things around late. The former started it off with back-to-back layups, before a pair of free throws by the latter made it an 85-81 affair with 1:48 left. 

After Rome dela Rosa missed on the other end, Barkley forced a shooting foul. He made the free throws to keep their distance, 87-81, with 45.6 seconds to go. 

In the next possession, the Hotshots made a crucial error which led to a slam by Barkley, which served as the dagger. 

Dalph Panopio added 12 points and three rebounds off the bench for the Bossing while Sedrick Barefield had 10. 

Buffen finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Jerom Lastimosa added 11 markers, and Ian Sangalang chipped in 10.