Coach Pat Aquino demanded pride and fight on the floor — and Blackwater answered with both, overcoming a blown lead and a red-hot import to grind out an 89-81 win over Magnolia on Friday, July 17, and stay unbeaten in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup play.

The victory pushed the Bossing to 2-0 in Group B, backing up their 131-108 demolition of Rain or Shine in their conference opener and putting them in a share of the Group B lead with Phoenix Super LPG.

“Sana ganito kami lagi,” Aquino said. “It’s a battle and I’m happy our guys stepped up like RK Ilagan. Some had a slow output but they didn’t give up and didn’t stop playing.”

Ilagan, Barkley Lead Blackwater’s Late Push

RK Ilagan continued his breakout stretch, scoring in every quarter to finish with 20 points and claim his second straight Player of the Game citation. The San Sebastian product credited his coach’s confidence in him for the consistency.

“Salamat sa trust ni coach Pat,” Ilagan said. “Nagkakaroon ako ng kumpiyansa para laruin ang dapat kong laruin.”

Kentrell Barkley saved his best for last, exploding for 12 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. Dalph Panopio added 12 points and Sedrick Barefield chipped in 10, rounding out a balanced offensive effort that carried Blackwater through a tightly contested finish.

The win showcased Blackwater’s versatility just two games into the conference. After outscoring Rain or Shine in a high-scoring shootout in their opener, the Bossing flipped the script against Magnolia, grinding out a defensive battle and holding their opponents to just 81 points.

Bossing Survive Buffen’s Breakout, Close Game on 10-0 Run

Magnolia import KJ Buffen delivered a statement bounce-back performance, erupting for 32 points after a modest 15-point PBA debut. Buffen’s outburst helped Magnolia erase an 11-point Blackwater lead and keep the game within reach deep into the fourth quarter.

But the Bossing refused to fold. Barkley and Ilagan spearheaded a decisive 10-0 run to close out the game, spoiling Buffen’s breakout performance and handing Magnolia their second straight loss to open the conference.

With the win, Blackwater heads into its next matchup riding high on momentum, having now proven it can win in multiple ways — outscoring opponents in a track meet or grinding out a defensive slugfest when needed most.