Blackwater coach likes Bossing’s chances against SMB: ‘The pressure is on them’

Blackwater finished the elimination round of the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup on a 5-game losing streak.

First the good news. The Bossing won 5 matches prior to their tailspin which is good enough to ensure a spot in the quarterfinal round.

The bad news is, they will be taking on top-seeded San Miguel with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

Already an unenviable task to begin with, the Dioceldo Sy-owned franchise suffered a major blow after starting big man Yousef Taha dislocated two fingers and has been declared out for the rest of the All-Filipino Cup.

“He’s out na. We had our second opinion (on the injury),” said Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia. “He’s out for six to eight weeks, so next conference na siya.”

Despite facing an uphill battle, Vanguardia still likes his team’s chances against the league’s winningest franchise.

“Baka sakaling maisahan namin sila. The pressure is on them. We’re playing without pressure,” said the former Phoenix Fuel Masters mentor.

The Bossing will be making their first playoff appearance in three seasons while the Beermen will be gunning for their first Philippine Cup title since 2019.

“Kami we’re just going to enjoy the game, work on our game plan. And if we can execute it well, maybe we deserve another game,” said Vanguardia.

“Hindi pa tapos ang laban.”