Game after game, Blackwater is beginning to exceed fans' expectations.
This is especially true after the Bossing pulled off a stunning upset of Meralco, 90-89, in Thursday's PBA Philippine Cup.
Baser Amer, a former Meralco player, knocked down the jumper in the final 1.7 seconds that won the game for the Bossing.
"Believe me, I told Baser before the game. 'Baser, this will be your game, tatalunin mo ang dati mong team,'" said Blackwater coach Angel Vanguardia, whose team now shares the second spot with Barangay Ginebra, after the game.
Vanguardia said Amer knows how to play at a high level since he used to be part of the Bolts, who have been perennial contenders for the Governors Cup.
"I takes a former Meralco player to beat them, kasi siyempre 'yung pressure they've been there and done that. Kami wala pang masyadong ganun eh," said the coach.
It has been a roller-coaster game for both squads which saw several lead exchanges. In the end though, the Bossing found an opening that led to the stunner.
Rookie Renato Ular came up with a career high of 19 points and 15 rebounds, while veteran Jayvee Caso also tallied 19 markers of his own.
Amer only had 6 points, but nailed the biggest shot of the game.
Chris Newsome scored 23 points in a losing effort for Meralco, which fell to 4-3.
The Bolts' Aaron Black was held scoreless in 22 minutes.
"They're very hard to stop and it came down to the last possession," said Vanguardia.
For Vanguardia, they finally found the right mix the team has been looking for. This is a welcome development for the squad who holds longest losing streak in PBA history (29 games).
"Dati 'pag lumalamang kami namamatay na 'yung kandila namin. Nagyon nakita namin sa mata nila kanina, lalo pang tumatapang," said the coach.