PBA On Tour: Blackwater avoids collapse, escapes Phoenix

Blackwater forward Troy Rosario hangs on the rim after a dunk during a PBA preseason game against Phoenix. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines-Blackwater withstood a late Phoenix rally to come away with a 92-90 win in the PBA On Tour on Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Troy Rosario and Mike Ayonayon played the starring roles for the Bossing, who claimed their fourth victory after seven outings in the exhibition series.

“We have to work on building a winning attitude and a killer instinct,” said acting coach Joe Silva, who lamented Blackwater’s near-collapse in the end game.

The Bossing almost lost a 12-point lead in the fourth as the Fuel Masters shrunk the gap to two near the final seconds.

Phoenix, though, couldn’t get the equalizing basket after Sean Manganti threw an intended alley-oop pass for Simon Camacho while also failing to regain possession when Blackwater’s Ato Ular missed a short jumper with the shot clock winding down.

Rosario had 24 points and eight rebounds in a performance that could further boost his confidence after an injury-riddled 2022-23 season while Ayonayon scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter that led to the Bossing’s big margin.

Manganti had 18 points while Reden Celda and Tyler Tio had 15 points apiece for Phoenix, which absorbed its fourth defeat against three wins in the series.

Phoenix played its second straight game minus coach Jamike Jarin, who is in the United States for personal reasons.

The scores:

BLACKWATER 92—Rosario 24, Casio 13, McCarthy 13, Ayonayon 13, Suerte 13, DiGregorio 9, Ular 7, Escoto 4, Banal 3, Amer 2, llagan 0, Publico 0.

PHOENIX 90—Manganti 18, Celda 15, Tio 15, Lalata 14, Mocon 8, Fetalvero 7, Camacho 7, Rangel 2, Atienza 0.

Quarters: 26-26, 46-43, 71-69, 92-90.

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