Walker lifts Blackwater to victory
Games Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Rain or Shine 7 p.m. – Meralco vs Phoenix
Henry Walker scored on a dunk off a foul with 3.4 seconds left and Blackwater finally scored its first victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after stunning Magnolia, 86-84, last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Walker, playing his second game since replacing Jarrid Famous, found enough space to attack the rim and score the go-ahead jam off a Mark Barroca foul as the Elite barged into the win column after seven straight losses to begin the midseason conference.
The former NBA player also batted away Jio Jalalon’s desperation heave from way out to seal the victory that saw Blackwater overcome an early deficit and squander a ninepoint third quarter lead.
“Naka-bwena mano din,” said Elite coach Bong Ramos, in his fifth game since replacing Leo Isaac. “I keep on telling them just to continue pounding the rock at mabibiyak din ‘yan. At least we’re improving littleby-little.”
Blackwater still has a slim chance at making the quarters despite a 1-7 record, but the team has already set its sights on building momentum for the Governors’ Cup where Walker will also serve as import.
Walker shot 4-of-16 from the floor for 11 points, but made up for his shooting woes with big plays in the final minute.
His bullet pass to Poy Erram tied the score at 84-all, 27.2 seconds left before delivering the game-winning slam.
Allein Maliksi scored 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting as he beat his former team for the first time since he was dealt to Blackwater in last season’s Governors’ Cup. Erram had 19 points and 15 rebounds and Mike DiGregorio added 11 points.
Magnolia fell to an even 3-3 slate as import Curtis Kelly struggled with 12 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks in what likely will be his final game with the team.
Kelly is set to be replaced by Justin Jackson, who had stints in the NBA D-League and Europe.
Barroca topscored with 16 points but the Hotshots are obviously missing the services of frontline mainstays Marc Pingris and Ian Sangalang to injuries.
Erram 19, Maliksi 16, DiGregorio 11, Walker 11, Sumang 8, Zamar 8, Pinto 6, Al-Hussaini 5, Belo 2, Sena 0, Palma 0, Jose 0. Barroca 16, Simon 12, Kelly 12, Reavis 11, Jalalon 8, Brondial 7, Melton 6, Dela Rosa 5, Lee 3, Herndon 2, Pascual 2, Ramos 0. Quarters: 19-27; 40-48; 69-61; 86-84.