THIS is where Blackwater's mettle would truly be under the microscope.
Barely 48 hours after failing in their bid to extend a franchise record, the Elite's ability to regroup would be known Friday when they tackle a desperate Kia Picanto crew in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Picanto, winless in seven tries, are still bent on fanning their flickering hopes for inclusion among the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals and could do so if they prevail in their last four games starting Friday.
At first glance, Blackwater seems to be Kia's best chance to crash the win-column since the Picanto come into the game well-rested since a 90-102 loss to GlobalPort last Aug. 20.
A breakthrough win should serve Kia in good stead and give it the boost in its remaining assignments against Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Star.
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In the hopes of enhancing their chances, the Picanto have also brought in NBA D-League and former University of Memphis Tiger Geron Johnson as import in lieu of Markeith Cummings.
Yet Blackwater has its own agenda which could spur it to bounce back from a dismal performance and go for a big win that would enable it to at least cling on to eighth-running spot.
The Elite were put in such a position following a 96-117 loss to old nemesis TNT just last Wednesday that foiled their bid to extend their winning run to four.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac is foremost among those aching to find out how his charges rebounds from a game where they never led and trailed by as many as 29 points.
"We need to bounce back and get a win versus Kia," said Isaac on the eve of the match.
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"The character of our team will be put to the test in our game tomorrow coming off a loss yesterday."
To assure its passage into the next round and avoid any complications, Blackwater also needs to get as many wins as it could in its remaining games against Kia, Barangay Ginebra, GlobalPort and Rain or Shine.
How the combatants' main weapons live up to expectations, execute their coaches' game plans and lead the charge would be key.
Henry Walker has been a pillar of strength for Blackwater, averaging 32.3 points and 20 rebounds in the four games he has played since coming in as replacement for Trevis Simpson. But so far only Mike Digregorio and JP Erram have been the only other Elite who have been consistent in providing support.
The same is true of Kia, which had Cummings averaging 26.4 points and 8.0 rebounds, but mainly getting help only from Reden Celda and LA Revilla.
