The Blackwater Bossing authored the first true stunner of the PBA Governors’ Cup, putting a beating on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday en route to a 131-108 victory at the Ynares Center in Montalban to open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign on a high note.
What Happened?
Blackwater gave Rain or Shine a taste of its own medicine in the opening frame, going off for 36 big points on fast breaks, triples, and transition plays mostly led by import Kentrell Barkley. The Bossing then extended their lead to 72-56 heading into halftime after another 36-point quarter in a show of offensive might in the first half.
There was no let-up after the break for Blackwater as Sedrick Barefield fired 14 early points to completely break the game wide open. The Bossing ended the third with 36 more points—their third consecutive 36-point effort in the same game—to enter the fourth ahead, 108-81. The final frame became a formality, with the Bossing fending off any Rain or Shine rally en route to the rout.
Who Stood Out?
Almost everyone played well on Saturday for the Bossing as six players finished in double figures, with another almost getting there. But the true standout was Barkley, who debuted with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists and scored 18 early points in the first on 6-for-6 shooting. Sedrick Barefield then broke the game open in the third and finished with 24 points. RK Ilagan, looking fit and healthy, added 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
In contrast, Rain or Shine struggled mightily as a team, with only Aaron Fuller consistently playing up to par. The returning import tallied 38 points and 15 rebounds but at times looked like he was going at it alone. Adrian Nocum provided some support with 17 points and 6 assists, but his and Fuller’s efforts were no match for the Bossing’s up-and-down brilliance.
3 Keys to the Game
- Starting 5. Blackwater’s starting unit came out to play, with Barkley, Barefield, and Ilagan forming a three-headed monster that Rain or Shine just couldn’t contain. In all, the Bossing’s starters poured in 90 compared to the 69 their Rain or Shine counterparts scored.
- Turnover points. The Bossing took full advantage of the Elasto Painters’ sloppy play, converting the latter’s many turnovers into 20 points. In contrast, Blackwater took better care of the ball and gave up only 9 points off turnovers to Rain or Shine.
- Strong start. The last time these two teams met, Rain or Shine blasted Blackwater by 56 points in a wire-to-wire dismantling. The Bossing made sure that wouldn’t happen in this one, getting off to a strong start this time and sustaining it until the final whistle.
Next Up for the PBA
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | Ynares Center – Montalban
- NLEX Road Warriors vs. Terrafirma Dyip (5:15 p.m.)
- Converge FiberXers vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (7:30 p.m.)
