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Blackwater stayed in playoff contention after scraping past Phoenix, 83-76, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
JP Erram notched another double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds that went with four blocks to lead the Elite, who secured at least a knockout for a quarterfinals slot after wrapping up their campaign in the elimination round at 5-6.
“Those who texted me asking for my comments before the game, I only gave one comment and it’s just ‘must-win’ and no other comment,” said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac.
“I challenged the players to prove themselves. I told them stories of how great players before were able to overcome such circumstances and keep on winning,” Isaac added.
His players responded with five of them scoring at least 12 points.
Mike DiGregorio, John Pinto and Raymar Jose each had 14 points while Roi Sumang also tallied 12.
Erram tied reigning four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo for the most double-doubles this season with seven. He is also now the league-leading rebounder this conference.
The Elite rose to eighth but are only a half game over Phoenix, Meralco and TNT, teams sporting identical 4-6 records.
Rookie Jason Perkins paced the Fuel Masters, who missed the services of Matthew Wright, with 17 points.