Macau Black Knights’ trio ignites late-game grit, crushes Blackwater’s playoff hopes 

Macau’s campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup may be nearing its end, but its core trio made sure it wouldn’t go quietly.

In a game that felt more like a battle for pride than position, the Black Knights leaned heavily on Jenning Leung, Damian Chongqui, and Ramon Cao to escape with a tense 123-119 victory over Blackwater on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Leung and Chongqui fired 30 points each, while Cao poured in 29, accounting for 89 of the team’s total output. More importantly, their scoring came exactly when needed, steadying Macau through every Blackwater rally.

“Damian had a big night, Jenning had a big night and Ramon. I’m really happy for Ramon and Jenning because they didn’t really play to their caliber in the last game against TNT,” head coach Marcus Elliott said.

Macau looked in control early, stretching the lead to 13, but the game gradually shifted into a test of composure. Blackwater, despite missing import Robert Upshaw III for most of the contest due to a calf injury, refused to fold.

Instead, the Bossing turned to their local unit, with Paul Zamar and Christian David stepping up with 21 points apiece. Their persistence nearly paid off when BJ Andrade trimmed the deficit to a single point, 120-119, in the final moments.

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But in a game defined by its stars, it was Leung who delivered the final blow—two clutch free throws with 19 seconds left that ultimately sealed the win.

Interestingly, Upshaw’s absence may have disrupted more than just Blackwater’s rotation.

“I think that backfired on us, actually. I think it took the life out of Tony, it looked like his motivation went down a little bit, so I think that helped them with Upshaw not playing,” Elliot said.

Tony Mitchell still produced a gritty double-double of 11 points and 22 rebounds, but Macau’s rhythm appeared briefly unsettled by the unexpected change in matchup dynamics.

With the result, both teams now sit at 2-8, tied with the worst records in the eliminations. Yet the implications diverge sharply.

For Macau, the win offers a chance to close its inaugural PBA stint on a high note, with upcoming games against Terrafirma on May 2 and Phoenix on May 9.

Blackwater, on the other hand, faces a more complicated path. Despite the loss, the Bossing remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, thanks to earlier wins over Magnolia and San Miguel. However, their fate is no longer entirely within their control.

They must now sweep their remaining assignments against Meralco on May 3 and Converge on May 9—and hope other results fall their way.

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