Blackwater escapes ignominy

MANILA, Philippines - A loss would’ve set a new record of futility but Blackwater avoided ignominy by hacking out an 80-77 decision over San Miguel Beer, in the process posting its first-ever PBA win, in the Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum the other night.

Shopinas and Blackwater jointly hold the record for the longest losing streak of 14 from the start of the season. The Elite would’ve registered a new mark if it lost to San Miguel. But in the absence of team owner Dioceldo Sy, away on a trip, Blackwater rose to the occasion. Coach Leo Isaac said the historic win is only the beginning for the expansion franchise.

Sy, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast with Rep. Manny Pacquiao in Washington, D. C. last weekend and arrived in Manila last Tuesday only to leave for Singapore on a business trip the next day, said beating San Miguel means Blackwater can beat any team.

“We’ve crossed the hump,” said Sy in a text message. “It’s a great moral boost to our team. I would like to thank the fans for believing in us that the win was coming. I would like to thank Marcus (Douthit) for his great leadership and (PLDT chairman) MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) and (Maynilad president) Ricky (Vargas) for heeding our call to borrow Marcus and above all, to thank our dear God for listening to our prayers.”

Blackwater started the conference on the wrong foot, playing importless with Chris Charles nursing a hamstring strain. That ended in a 92-70 loss to Barako Bull. Sy then asked Pangilinan and Vargas if Gilas could lend Douthit, in town to begin training with Gilas, to Blackwater in the interim. With only two days notice, Douthit suited up for the Elite’s next game, an 88-78 loss to Talk ‘N’ Text. Douthit scored 30 points in Blackwater’s third outing, a 98-86 defeat to Purefoods, last Friday.

Blackwater PBA alternate governor Wilbert Loa said after the Purefoods setback, Douthit invited the entire team to a Chinese dinner in Greenhills. “Marcus got everyone together,” said Loa. “We were in the restaurant from 10 to past midnight. Marcus wanted to pay the bill but (Blackwater PBA governor) Silliman (Sy) and I didn’t let him. It was Marcus’ way of rallying the team. He’s a real leader.”

Against San Miguel, Douthit was a tower of power, delivering 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to outduel Ronald Roberts who at 23, is 11 years younger. Along with Douthit, the locals got the job done. Down the stretch, Bambam Gamalinda hit a crucial triple, Gilbert Bulawan sank a put-back from an offensive rebound and Brian Heruela drove in for a twisting layup to leave the San Miguel defense in tatters. San Miguel wound up with 10 more field goal attempts but Blackwater was more accurate, connecting 39 percent from the field to the Beermen’s 30.

Sy sent this message to the team: “Congrats, boys! Now you believe we can win. Let’s continue this winning spirit and see you guys at practice on Saturday (tomorrow). I’m very happy and proud of you guys.” Sy is scheduled to arrive in Manila today.

A double won-game bonus was announced for the team but Douthit declined to take his share. “Please give my bonus to the team,” said Douthit. “Give it to the players as additional bonus.” SBP executive director Sonny Barrios sent this text to Douthit: “Ang galing! Mabuhay ka, Marcus! Pusong Pinoy!”

Isaac said throughout the game, Douthit kept encouraging his teammates to stay strong. “In the last play with San Miguel pressing, Marcus wanted to inbound because he sees the whole length of the court better than anyone,” said Isaac. “He’s not really our designated inbounder. Marcus is supposed to be our receiver. But I let him do it. I couldn’t send in Jerick (Canada) to help Brian in bringing up the ball because we would be too small in the backcourt. Luckily, we got the ball in and beat the press.”

Heruela, whose University of Cebu teammate JuneMar Fajardo was on the opposite side, compiled 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a starting role. Bryan Faundo extended his streak of double-figure scoring with 10 points before fouling out. If it’s any consolation to San Miguel coach Leo Austria, his son Bacon is with Blackwater and tasted his first PBA win. Bacon, however, was placed on the reserve list for the game. But he was all smiles in the Elite dressing room.

Charles, who watched the game from the sidelines, said he’ll be ready to play soon. “I don’t know if I’ll play or not because our team just won with Marcus who’s doing a great job,” he said. “As long as the team is winning, I’m all for what management thinks is best for us. I’m just getting ready for if and when I’m called to play.” Blackwater’s next game is against winless NLEX at the Big Dome on Tuesday.