Beermen sink further after 2-point loss to Bossing

Jvee Casio displayed veteran composure and calmly sank three crucial free throws with 22 seconds remaining to help Blackwater withstand a late San Miguel rally, 103-101, in the PBA on Tour on Sunday, July 2 at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Casio took matters into his own hands and drew a foul from John Apacible while attempting a three-pointer when the Bossing abruptly found themselves trailing the Beermen by two points after a furious comeback.

Casio then gave Blackwater the lead for good with a pair of free throws, and the remainder of the Bossing held on during their final defensive possession to secure the team’s fifth victory against three defeats.

Three free throws were the only points scored in the final period by the veteran facilitator, who finished with 13 points. It was also sufficient to preserve Troy Rosario’s 19-point, five-rebound, four-assist performance, which led the team.

Mike Digregorio and Baser Amer each contributed 13 points.

Rosario scored five consecutive points to give the Bossing a 99-93 advantage with three minutes remaining in the game. Blackwater appeared to be drawing away for good as a result.

Allyn Bulanadi and Jericho Cruz joined forces to lead an 8-0 comeback for the Beermen, who seized a tenuous two-point lead with 36 seconds remaining (101-99).

That merely set the stage for Casio’s exploits, which sent the Beermen reeling to their fifth consecutive loss after beginning the preseason exhibition games with a 2-1 record.

Bulanadi and Cruz took up the slack for the still-depleted SMB, which lacked its starting five in addition to Terrence Romeo and Mo Tautua. Bulanadi scored a total of 26 points, while Cruz contributed 25.

The scores:

Blackwater 103 – Rosario 19, DiGregorio 13, Casio 13, Amer 13, McCarthy 10, Sena 9, Suerte 8, Ilagan 6, Ayonayon 4, Banal 4, Publico 2, Ular 2, Escoto 0.

San Miguel 101 – Bulanadi 26, Cruz 25, Lee 15, Apacible 11, Brondial 10, Baclao 7, Faundo 4, Dela Cruz 3, De Vera 0.

Quarterscores: 28-21, 59-60, 79-75, 103-101.