However the conference turns out for Blackwater, coach Jeff Cariaso said people can expect his Bossing to come out the way they did in a gutsy 100-92 victory over Phoenix in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup showdown on Tuesday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Blackwater hammered out the win despite playing without George King and while it briefly kept its flickering hopes alive, the result of the game between NorthPort and San Miguel Beer that was being played at press time could determine how far the Bossing can still go.

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“A lot has to happen. Our max is four [wins]. If there’s still a slight window, we’re gonna do our part, our best to prepare,” he said shortly after the triumph carved by his all-Filipino crew.

“If we don’t have a window, and it’s closed already, you can only expect the guys to come out the way they did tonight. We’re just going to go out with a bang and end the conference on a good note.”

It wasn’t hard to understand where the former pro was coming from. The Bossing, who have been struggling all conference long, managed to turn in their finest performance even without their top two guns, King and Sedrick Barefield.

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Cariaso revealed that his import elected not to risk his foot, which he hurt during a blowout at the hands of Converge. Barefield, meanwhile, remained at sick bay no thanks to a heel problem.

Led by JVee Casio, an old hand at Alaska, fellow veterans Justin Chua and Jewel Ponferrada and young big Christian David, the Bossing held off a Fuel Masters crew hell-bent on also making the next round.

JVee shines

“JVee carried us. He was our lead tonight … [He’s] still there, and we know that. He’s been really more than patient with regards to us trying to get minutes for the younger guys. The challenge was making sure that he is more than ready when his name is called,” Cariaso said.

Casio had 14 points and five assists, while Chua and David finished with at least 20 points each for a win that perhaps came a little too late in the campaign.

A win by San Miguel in the nightcap will pretty much nullify Blackwater’s efforts as they would improve to 5-5 (win-loss) and drag NorthPort out of the third position it shares with Meralco and guest team Hong Kong.

A loss by the Beermen keeps Blackwater alive, but still in need of crucial victories. Blackwater faces NorthPort on Saturday. INQ