The Blackwater Bossing made sure to add to their single-win tally as they head to the finish line of the eliminations in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Richard Escoto has always been a gem of a player on the defensive end.
Escoto was just that and more as Blackwater sent Terrafirma packing, 97-82, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Sunday, June 8.
Known more as a defensive lynchpin, Escoto erupted with a team-high 21 points in just a little over 17 minutes of play.
“I've got to give him his props because he led us in scoring tonight and did it all in 18 minutes. He’s always effective defensively, and that’s what we rely on him to do,” said Bossing coach Jeff Cariaso, whose team just collected its second win in ten assignments.
Escoto's 15 points in the second period allowed the Bossing to seize control and take a 45-27 lead.
But he went back to his primary role after the break and let main men Christian David and Sedrick Barefield get the job done in the second half.
“Richard was awesome tonight. He hit a couple of 3s. You can always count on him defensively,” said Cariaso.
“He’s very smart defensively: knowing when to help, knowing gaps, knowing positioning. That’s why he’s of value.”
David posted a double-double performance with 19 points and 12 rebounds he spiked with four assists and one steal. He conspired with Barefield in the final period and combined for 15 points to quell the Dyip’s attempts at a comeback.
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Cariaso also lauded sophomore David, who earned Player of the Game honors.
“He’s really stepped up this conference. He’s one of our leaders, and not just in the scoring department, it’s in rebounding, it’s in defending,” Cariaso said.
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While the Bossing are on a high, misery continued haunting the Dyip, who ended the conference with a lone win.
Louie Sangalang paced Terrafirma with 24 points, three rebounds and one block, while Brent Paraiso and Stanley Pringle added 12 markers each.
Terrence Romeo made his return from injury and dropped 10 points and two rebounds.
Blackwater vs. Terrafirma scores:
BLACKWATER 97 – Escoto 21, David 19, Barefield 12, Ilagan 12, Andrade 10, Guinto 8, Mallilin 6, Tratter 4, Mitchell 3, Chua 2, Casio 0, Ayonayon 0, Jopia 0.
TERRAFIRMA 82 – Sangalang 24, Pringle 12, Paraiso 12, Romeo 10, Nonoy 9, Hanapi 4, Catapusan 4, Ramos 7, Olivario, Zaldivar 0, Melecio 0, Hernandez, Ferrer 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 52-45, 71-61, 97-82.