Blackwater’s George King in action. PBA Images

MANILA – The Blackwater Bossing are still in the fight for a quarterfinal berth in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.

All thanks to the 49-point, 11-rebound explosion of import George King, the Bossing pounced on import-less San Miguel, 111-94, on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“We know the situation going into tonight, and our backs are really against the wall, so that’s how we look at it now,” coach Jeff Cariaso said during the postgame press conference.

“Tonight was really just, the guys just not willing to give up yet,” he added.

The Bossing saw their lead balloon to 25 points in the final frame, 107-82, after freebies made by James Kwekuteye at the 5:28 mark.

They now have identical records with fellow playoff-seeking NLEX Road Warriors at 4-5.

Blackwater will now have to wait for the result of Ginebra-NLEX bout on Sunday, as they also prepare for Rain or Shine on Monday.

Meanwhile, SMB’s Jordan Adams did not see action tonight after an apparent injury in their game against the Elasto Painters on Thursday.

SMB’s Jordan Adams sits out game against Blackwater. PBA Images

Rookie Sedrick Barefield was the only other Bossing in twin-digit scoring with 14 points.

San Miguel’s eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo paced the losing side with 23 points, while CJ Perez also had 21 points.

Although this was the Beermen’s second straight loss, they are still assured of a playoff spot at 6-4.

The Scores:

BLACKWATER 111 – King 49, Barefield 14, Chua 9, David 6, Rosario 6, Kwekuteye 5, Ilagan 4, Casio 4, Escoto 4, Jopia 4, Suerte 4, Corteza 2, Mitchell 0, Ponferrada 0, Montalbo 0

SAN MIGUEL 94 – Fajardo 23, Perez 21, Romeo 15, Lassiter 5, Rosales 5, Trollano 5, Cruz 4, Brondial 4, Nava 4, teng 4, Manuel 2, Jimenez 2, Ross 0

QUARTERS: 30-21, 52-43, 85-72, 111-94