The Phoenix Fuel Masters earned their second straight victory in the 2018 Governors’ Cup with a 132-91 demolition of an undermanned NorthPort Batang Pier side, Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix – who have improved to 2-0, similar to the Alaska Aces – posted their biggest winning margin in franchise history. They eclipsed the 27 they made back in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, which was also versus the Batang Pier.
“It’s nice to win two in a row,” quipped Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas.
Import Eugene Phelps, who had 50 points in their first win earlier this week, led Phoenix’s balanced attack with 30 points and 15 rebounds. Rookie Jason Perkins led the locals with 18 points, while RJ Jazul supplied 15 markers.
Calvin Abueva had an all-around game with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. Gunner Matthew Wright was all over the place as well, as he produced 10 points, eight assists, and five rebounds.
The game was never in doubt right from the get-go, as Phoenix jumped to a 19-8 lead and never looked back. Their lead would go as high as 44 points, 127-83, after Joseph Eriobu’s three-pointer with 1:38 left in the bout.
Rashad Woods hit the 40-point mark for the second straight game, scoring 42 points along with four rebounds to lead the 10-man NorthPort crew. Paolo Taha was his only support with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block.
The Batang Pier are still missing star scorer Stanley Pringle due to his Gilas Pilipinas duties in the ongoing 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, and forwards Jeric Teng and Sean Anthony due to lower leg injuries.
The Fuel Masters will next face the Alaska Aces on Wednesday, August 29, at 6:45 PM, while the Batang Pier will battle the Magnolia Hotshots on Saturday, September 1. Both games will still be at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Phoenix 132 – Phelps 30, Perkins 18, Jazul 15, Abueva 12, Eriobu 10, Wright 10, Revilla 9, Chua 7, Intal 7, Mendoza 6, Wilson 5, Gamboa 3.
Northport 91 – Woods 42, Taha 15, Grey 7, Elorde 6, Guinto 6, Javelona 5, Espinas 4, Flores 4, Tautuaa 2, Gabayni 0.
Quartersscores: 37-28, 60-43, 94-62, 132-91.
