By Vivem Soriano
Eagle News Service
The Blackwater Elite forced a do-or-die game with the Meralco Bolts after they netted a shocking victory over the top seed on Tuesday.
Allein Maliksi was clutch at the endgame, hitting the game-winner with 8.9 seconds, and giving his team the 92-91 upset at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The last two minutes were a back-and-forth affair.
Baser Amer hit a 3 for Meralco to break what was then a tie, 89-86, with less than 2 minutes left in the game.
Roi Sumang then converted 2 free throws with 1:08 left after Meralco forward Jared Dillinger was whistled a flagrant foul-penalty 1.
Blackwater failed to score on the ensuing possession but Sumang stole the ball from Meralco import Allen Durham.
Maliksi then hit the basket on the next play to give Blackwater a 90-89 lead with 33.8 seconds left.
Durham missed 2 free throws on the next possession but Meralco fought for the offensive rebound for a Durham putback that gave them a 90-91 lead.
But that was until Maliksi hit the game winner for Blackwater.
Import Henry Walker led the Blackwater Elite with a big 30 points and 18 rebounds, a double-double.
Game hero Maliksi chipped in 15 points while Mike DiGregorio finished with 20 markers.
Meanwhile, Meralco was led by import Durham with 18 points and 21 rebounds.
Chris Newsome led the Sparks locals with 19 points while Cliff Hodge added 18.
