Fran Yu, Calvin Abueva, and Joshua Munzon made sure there wouldn’t be any meltdown this time as Titan Ultra picked up a much-needed win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
On a night when Calvin Abueva posted another stellar all-around performance, it was Fran Yu that stole the spotlight.
Yu made things happen in the fourth period and Titan Ultra eked out a 97-86 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday, Nov. 5.
The cat-quick guard dropped 10 points built on three triples in the fourth, the last of which doused the Bossing’s last stand.
Yu wound up with 14 points, two rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for the Giant Risers, who stopped a four-game slide and claimed a second win.
“Luckily pumapasok lang tira ko,” he said with a smile during the post-game press conference.
“Kasi pag nagc-clog sila kela Josh (Munzon) at Calvin malilibre at malilibre kaming mga guards eh. So ayun yung opportunity namin after namin mag-create para sa kanila,” he added.
Before Yu's fourth-quarter explosion, Titan Ultra leaned on Abueva and Munzon, with the former leading the way with 23 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.
Munzon had 18 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals to atone for his blunder in the 111-112 loss to Rain or Shine, where he fouled Anton Asistion while taking a four-point shot leading to the game-stealing four free throws.
Also against Rain or Shine, Titan Ultra squandered a 19-point lead in the heartbreaker of a loss.
That’s why against the Bossing, the Giant Risers made sure there wouldn’t be any meltdown especially when they led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter.
“After nung game last time nagkaroon kaming get together bago kami mag break. Sinabi ng mga coaches at management na kalimutan yun [talo] kasi mahaba pa naman season,” said Yu.
Sedrick Barefield bucked a slow start and fired 18 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to turn the tables for Blackwater.
Troy Malilin had 17 points, Dalph Panopio contributed 15 points, while Christian David added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Bossing, who slipped to a fourth straight loss for a 1-4 card.
Titan Ultra vs Blackwater Scores:
TITAN ULTRA 97 – Abueva 23, Munzon 18, Yu 14, Melecio 11, Pessumal 10, Flores 7, Balanza 5, Ambohot 3, Dionisio 3, Cuntapay 1, Barasi 0, Ular 0, Sumang 0
BLACKWATER 86 – Barefield 18, Mallilin 17, Panopio 15, David 15, Tratter 6, Mendoza 5, Guinto 4, Andrade 2, Escoto 2, Murrell 0, Zamar 0, Dumont 0, Jopia 0
Quarterscores: 20-18, 42-47, 71-67, 97-86
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.