The Titan Ultra Giant Risers leaned on a great start and held steady down the stretch to repulse the Blackwater Bossing, 102-98, on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The win is Titan’s second in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against three losses. The loss is Blackwater’s fourth against a solitary victory.
What Happened?
Titan Ultra started like a house on fire, making 10 of their first 12 shots in the first quarter to build an early 36-21 lead. That lead ballooned to as much as 47-27 at about the nine-minute mark of the second, before Blackwater outscored the Giant Risers 23-7 the rest of the way to inch closer, 54-50, at halftime.
The two teams then went toe-to-toe in an entertaining third-quarter shootout that saw Blackwater outscore Titan Ultra 33-30 to further trim the deficit to 84-83 heading into the fourth. The Bossing got their first lead of the game at the 9:56 mark on an RK Ilagan free throw before a 7-0 spurt gave the Giant Risers a 94-87 cushion.
Blackwater last threatened at 98-94 with 48 ticks left before a four-pointer by Joshua Munzon dashed the Bossing’s final comeback bid.
Who Stood Out?
Like they’ve done all conference long, Munzon and import Michael Gilmore carried the load for Titan Ultra. Munzon recorded 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, and hit that timely four-pointer to seal the win. Gilmore, meanwhile, finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists.
On the other side was Sedrick Barefield, who fired 25 points for Blackwater on top of 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Import Robert Upshaw III had 25 as well, with 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks.
3 Keys to the Game
- Hot start. Titan Ultra’s scorching start proved to be a big difference, as that put Blackwater in catch-up mode all game long. It also gave breathing room for the Giant Risers for the seemingly inevitable Barefield spurt, which was exactly what happened in the third canto.
- Three-point shooting. The Giant Risers didn’t exactly hit a lot of threes, but the nine they hit to the five Blackwater splashed certainly helped the former’s cause.
- Poise. For all the losing this season, Titan still displayed commendable poise down the stretch, even as Blackwater finally took the lead briefly in the fourth. That 7-0 spurt showed character.
Next Up for the PBA
Friday, April 10, 2026 | SM Mall of Asia Arena
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Converge FiberXers (5:15 p.m.)
Magnolia Hotshots vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (7:30 p.m.)
