MANILA — Blackwater Elite used a fourth quarter rally to shock San Miguel Beermen 103-100, in the resumption of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
In the penultimate match before the league gives way to the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, the Elite came alive in the final 12 minutes and held off the Beermen down the stretch.
Down 74-82 at the end of the third period, Blackwater opened the final frame on a 12-3 run to take an 86-85 lead with 8:17 remaining.
The team threatened to pull away later in the quarter as it stretched its lead to six, 101-95, with 2:33 to play.
SMB scored five straight points to come to within a single point, 100-101, with 36 seconds remaining.
Poy Erram was fouled by Christian Standhardinger in the ensuing play, and he made two free throws to give the Elite a 103-100 cushion with 19 seconds left.
The Beermen had one final chance to force overtime, but AZ Reid and Arwind Santos missed their respective triples as time expired.
Henry Walker led Blackwater with 35 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, seven steals, and one block.
Mike DiGregorio chipped in 21 points, three caroms, three assists, and one steal, while John Pinto added 15 markers, nine boards, and seven dimes.
Reid made 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals for SMB. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
