Big rally has Bossing thinking of big payback in clash with Gin Kings

Sedrick Barefield and Blackwater are hoping that Wednesday’s upset win over Group B leader Phoenix would spark some life back into their campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

After rallying past the Fuel Masters for a 106-100 victory, the Bossing look to carry that momentum into their next game, which is a chance for payback against a Barangay Ginebra side that handed them a 30-point beating in the first round.

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“We didn’t perform against them (Ginebra) the last time, so I think there’s that extra motivation,” Barefield said after scoring 26 points against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Blackwater caught a big fish in Phoenix to move into third place at 3-3, as the Bossing snapped a three-game skid and moved ahead of Ginebra and Magnolia, which are tied with 2-3 records.

To exact revenge over Ginebra on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Blackwater will look to get the same contributions like what Barefield and import Kentrell Barkley turned in. Barkley topscored with 34 points on top of 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

The Bossing got a huge lift from rookie James Una, Troy Mallillin and even Jed Mendoza, as their plays on the defensive end shackled the Fuel Masters, who lost a hold of the solo lead in the group.

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Barefield’s backcourt mate, RK Ilagan, also came through with big shots and big stops on his way to 15 points and six rebounds.

“It’s great having them around,” Blackwater coach Pat Aquino said. “I told them to be ready and they were there and that’s what we need on our team, those extra utility guys that can turn around some games with their hustle and the mentality of not giving up.”

Phoenix is now tied for first with streaking Rain or Shine at 4-2 and the two will also meet on Sunday.

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“The standings are really tight, so one game, two games can swing your chances for the playoffs,” said Barefield. “And we know that we got to be mentally-prepared, physically-prepared and just be ready to fight [against Ginebra].”

Una, the 38th overall pick of the Season 50 Rookie Draft out of San Sebastian, had eight points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks and he helped clamp down on Phoenix import BJ Johnson.

“It’s mindboggling,” lamented Phoenix coach Charles Tiu on the way to the dugout as Phoenix lost a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter.

Johnson scored 45 , but cooled off after accounting for the majority of the Fuel Masters’ offense for most of the contest.

Ricci Rivero delivered 15 points and Kai Ballungay scattered 12 for the Fuel Masters, who sputtered near the finish as Johnson didn’t get enough help.

After Ballungay and Rivero, no other local scored in twin digits for Tiu, with Ken Tuffin the one closest to breaching twin figures with seven in more than 26 minutes of action.

San Miguel Beer and Converge were playing at press time in a crucial Group A battle after the two teams absorbed defeats over the weekend.