Phoenix leaned on Donovan Smith in dealing the hard-luck Terrafirma a 122-108 beatdown to register just their second victory in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday evening at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The 6-foot-9 big man scored 23 of his 37 points in the first half, 14 of which he produced in the second quarter to help the Fuel Masters take control of the game before pulling away for good in the fourth quarter for a strong finish.
All in all, he shot 50-percent from the field, including a pair of three-pointers, alongside seven rebounds, three assists, and five blocks.
“The reason we won is because of this guy on my left,” said head coach Jamike Jarin, pointing to his prized import as they sat in the postgame presser.
(C) PBA Images
Jason Perkins finished with 16 points. Ricci Rivero made 14 points and five assists while Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay added 10 markers each.
Phoenix improved to 2-5 and will definitely shoot for wins entering its last five outings of the elimination round to fight for a quarterfinal spot.
The climb resumes on Saturday, January 11, as the Fuel Masters take on Rain or Shine at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Match is at 7:30 PM.
But while Jarin and his wards kept their hopes alive, the same cannot be said for the Dyip as their winless drought extended to eight games now.
Brandon Edwards led Terrafirma with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Louie Sangalang tallied 22 points and six rebounds while Brent Paraiso had 16.
Mark Nonoy and Kemark Carino added 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the loss that saw the team fail to sustain a 36-29 lead at the end of the first.
The wards of acting coach Raymond Tiongco will face the 2-5 Magnolia next on Friday, January 10, 5:00 PM also at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
Phoenix 122 – Smith 37, Perkins 16, Rivero 14, Tio 10, Ballungay 10, Tuffin 8, Muyang 7, Jazul 4, Alejandro 4, Daves 3, Manganti 3, Garcia 2, Salado 2, Verano 2, Ular 0.
Terrafirma 108 – Edwards 25, Sangalang 22, Paraiso 16, Nonoy 12, Carino 11, Hernandez 7, Manuel 6, Melecio 5, Pringle 2, Ramos 2, Catapusan 0.
Quarterscores: 29-36, 60-49, 88-84, 122-108.
