Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Phelps outduels Smith, powers Phoenix past Blackwater in 2OT


Just like their Philippine Cup encounter, Phoenix and Blackwater figured in a classic

The Phoenix Fuel Masters needed two grueling extra periods to edge out Blackwater Elite, 118-116, in their 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup opener on Saturday afternoon at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

“It was a well-played game,” said Phoenix head coach Ariel Vanguardia with their win, which gives them a 1-0 record in the team standings.

Eugene Phelps was clearly dominant in his second tour of duty for Phoenix, posting a monstrous new career-high of 53 points on 19-of-32 shooting along with 21 rebounds.

“We know what Eugene can give us,” lauded Vanguardia. “He gives us all his effort. He’s not El Destructor for nothing.”

Phoenix were able to pull out the win even without top rookie Matthew Wright due to a foot injury, and Vanguardia hopes he will be able to play on Wednesday against Star.

“Matthew Wright will be practicing on Monday. He’ll be a game time decision on Wednesday,” claimed Vanguardia.

The Fuel Masters were ahead by 10, 85-75, early in the final frame, but the Elite hit a hot streak behind Greg Smith, Mac Belo, and Mike DiGregorio to turn the deficit into a two-point advantage, 100-98, with 1:05 to go in regulation.

A Phelps and-one bucket sent it to a 100-all knot with 49.3 seconds left. He had a chance to put Phoenix up by one, but his bonus missed. Luckily for them, Smith missed a potential game-winning jumper, sending the game to OT.

Phoenix started strong in the first OT. With Phelps converting a three-point play, they led Blackwater, 108-104, with 1:57 to go. However, Denok Miranda’s charities and a Smith hook shot after a Baguio lay-up sent it to another OT, 110-all.

#ReadMore  Phoenix brings over Brandon Brown as insurance for injured Eugene Phelps

The Elite were gassed out come the final overtime. With two straight miscues, Phoenix then went on an 8-3 run ended by a Phelps hook shot to lead by five, 118-113, with 40.3 seconds to go. Roi Sumang hit a trey, 118-116, but could not convert any more as he air-balled his jumper.

“We played two tight tune-up games [in the off-season]. At least we found a way to win,” said Vanguardia.

JC Intal supplied 11 points for Phoenix despite going 5-of-19 from the floor. Willie Wilson and Cyrus Baguio each chipped in 10 markers.

The Elite were led by former Houston Rocket Greg Smith with a 30-30 game, scoring 37 points on 14-of-25 shooting along with 30 rebounds. Mac Belo backed him up with 21 markers and eight boards.

As a team, Blackwater out-rebounded Phoenix, 71-60. But the Elite had issues with turnovers, committing 24 that allowed the Fuel Masters to convert 32 points. Phoenix’s bench also played better, providing 41 points in their output.

Blackwater fall to 0-7 overall.

Both teams will see action on Wednesday, March 22, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. Blackwater will clash with Alaska at 4:15 PM, whole Phoenix will battle Star at 7:00 PM.

The Scores:

Phoenix (118) – Phelps 53, Intal 11, Baguio 10, W. Wilson 10, Alolino 9, Jazul 8, Borboran 8, J. Wilson 4, Lanete 2, Miranda 2, Kramer 2, Dehesa 0, Eriobu 0.

Blackwater (116) – Smith 37, Belo 21, Digregorio 13, Sumang 11, Pascual 8, Sena 7, Gamalinda 7, Miranda 6, Ababou 3, Forrester 0, Pinto 0, Cervantes 0, Aguilar 0.

#ReadMore  Lito Adiwang knows he has a lot to improve on entering ONE main roster

Quarterscores: 18-18, 38-45, 76-75, 100-100, 118-116

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.




You May Also Like

Basketball

Abra Solid North continues to push forward in the 2025 MPBL Season, bolstering its already formidable roster with key acquisitions during the signing period....

Basketball

Jason Perkins and Kenneth Tuffin delivered career-best performances to lead Phoenix to a commanding 124–109 victory over Blackwater, closing out their 2025 PBA Philippine...

Basketball

Phoenix not only fought for pride in its PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup meeting versus NorthPort on Wednesday, in a meeting between eliminated sides....

Basketball

Phoenix snatched the spotlight away from Calvin Abueva by taking down NorthPort, 118-107, in a clash between eliminated teams in the PBA Season 49...

Basketball

NLEX formalized the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinal picture by giving Phoenix the boot, 105-95, on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The...

Basketball

Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito took turns in helping Rain or Shine finish off Phoenix, 109-99, to move closer in clinching a quarterfinal berth...

Basketball

Ginebra found its touch from beyond the arc early and shot down Phoenix, 119-112, to post back-to-back for the first time in the PBA...

Basketball

Don Trollano submitted his best showing of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup to date as San Miguel burst the bubble of Phoenix through a...

Advertisement