TEAMS usually opt to field high-scoring reinforcements in import-spiced tourneys.
But not Blackwater, which chose all-around Cameron Krutwig, a former Loyola Rambler who has what it takes, according to Bossing coach Ariel Vanguardia.
The 6-foot-9 Krutwig made Vanguardia and his teammates look good, leading Blackwater to a stunning 109-106 decision over defending champion San Miguel Beer last night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
CJ Perez sank two free throws that gave the Beermen a 106-104 cushion with still 1:48 to go, but Baser Amer drained a clutch three-pointer that made it 107-106 with 32.0 seconds remaining.
Perez turned the ball over in the ensuing play that led to an uncontested layup by Mike Ayonayon for the final count as SMB’s Marcio Lassiter and import Diamond Stone missed on their triple tries.
Krutwig shone with a triple double of 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Bossing, while Amer backed him up with 16 markers, three boards, and three dimes.
Troy Rosario also had 13 points, while Yousef Taha, Ayonayon, and Gab Banal added 11, 10, and 10 markers, respectively, for Blackwater, which rebounded from a sorry 102-105 loss to NLEX six days ago and improved to 2-2.
The defeat spoiled the Beermen’s bid to launch their title-retention drive on a rousing note, nearly four weeks after they ruled the Philippine Cup.
“He’s not the typical import who’ll score 40 for you, but he makes us better. He makes everybody better,” Vanguardia said. “If we get an import who’s gonna score 40 or 50 points it doesn’t help us because the other teams got those kinds of imports.
“Ganoon din naman. Mas magagaling ang locals nila. Mas maganda pare-pareho kaming nag-i-improve with Cam,” he added.
The Bossing trailed 61-64 at the halfway mark and 77-89 heading into fourth canto.
SMB failed to protect its biggest lead that stood at 79-64 on Perez’ two foul shots at the 7:16 mark of the fourth.
June Mar Fajardo carried the fight for the Beermen with 23 points and 16 rebounds, while Lassiter got 18 markers.
Perez and Mo Tautuaa also had 16 and 11 points, respectively for SMB.
