PBA: Behind clutch Joshua Munzon 4, Titan Ultra holds on vs Blackwater

Joshua Munzon came up with a huge basket to preserve Titan Ultra's win. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Joshua Munzon delivered the virtual dagger for Titan Ultra as the team preserved a hot start to beat Blackwater, 102-98, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup showdown on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Seeing their lead cut down from as high as 20 to a one-possession gap, Munzon hit a crucial four-pointer with 1:29 remaining that upped the Giant Risers' advantage back to eight, 102-94, with 1:29 to go.

The Bossing still had a chance to climb back after scoring back-to-back baskets while forcing a shotclock violation on the Giant Risers, giving them 23.2 seconds to force overtime.

However, Christian David misfired a four-pointer, and after a Michael Gilmore rebound, Titan Ultra milked the remaining 12 seconds of the game.

Munzon led the Giant Risers, who now won two of their last three games after a 0-2 start, with 25 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Gilmore, despite committing six turnovers, added 21 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.

Robert Upshaw and Sedrick Barefield each had 25 markers, with the hefty import grabbing 11 boards for the Bossing, who fell to 1-4.

The Scores:

TITAN 102 – Munzon 25, Gilmore 21, Dionisio 11, Javillonar 7, Ular 7, Yu 7,Sajonia 6, Cuntapay 5, Pessumal 5, Balanza 4, Omega 4, Ambohot 0, Caralipio 0

BLACKWATER 98 – Barefield 25, Upshaw III 25, Panopio 10, Tratter 9, Escoto 9, David 7, Ilagan 4, Murrell 3, Guinto 3, Cruz-Dumont 3, Mallilin 0, Una 0, Mendoza 0

QUARTERS: 36-21, 54-50, 84-83, 102-98