In front of their hometown, the Phoenix Fuel Masters did not disappoint
Behind Matthew Wright’s breakout game of the conference, the Phoenix Fuel Masters spoiled the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s return to the league, taking a 94-91 win, Saturday evening at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
Wright — who went scoreless in his conference-debut against TNT last Wednesday — dropped 27 points, knocking down three triples and going 6-of-7 from the stripe. And his last two points came at a crucial time for Phoenix.
Down 90-91 with 18 seconds remaining, Jameel McKay was able to clean up a Norbert Torres miss to give Phoenix the lead. A turnover by Joe Devance afterwards led to free throws for the Gilas cadet, which gave the Fuel Masters a three-point cushion with seven ticks left.
Ginebra, trying to force overtime, could not get an attempt as time expired.
McKay picked up a double-double with 15 points and 28 rebounds while swatting away two shots and forcing three turnovers. Cyrus Baguio added 13 markers off the bench.
Phoenix led by as much as 11 points, 44-33, late in the second quarter, before Ginebra stormed back in the third frame, eventually gaining the lead to enter the final frame.
The two teams exchanged leads five times during the last five minutes of the game, with both not giving an inch.
Phoenix out-rebounded Ginebra 62-52 that led to a 24-12 advantage in second chance points. Moreover, the Fuel Masters knocked down nine triples in the game.
Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with 15 points and seven rebounds, but had to battle foul-trouble all throughout. Joe Devance, who came off the bench, and LA Tenorio chipped in 15 and 13 points respectively.
Justin Brownlee had a relatively quiet return, scoring just 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Phoenix’s journey does not get any easier as they face the San Miguel Beermen on Friday, April 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. On the other hand, Ginebra take on the Globalport Batang Pier on Wednesday, April 5, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Phoenix (94) – Wright 27, McKay 15, Baguio 13, Jazul 9, Torres 7, Kramer 6, Borboran 5, Intal 4, Alolino 4, Intal 2, Eriobu 2, Dehesa 2, Wilson 0, Viernes 0, Miranda 0.
Ginebra (91) – Aguilar 15, Devance 15, Tenorio 13, Brownlee 12, Cruz 10, Ellis 9, Caguioa 8, Thompson 5, Marcelo 2, Taha 1, Ferrer 1, Mariano 0.
Quarterscores: 26-24, 49-46, 70-71, 94-91.
