Phoenix Super LPG made sure that its story would continue by finally beating long-time tormentor Magnolia, 103-85, to fight another day in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
RJ Jazul headed the telling 14-4 assault for the 85-71 lead with 8:33 left in the fourth, which saw him nail three triples in a row to give the Fuel Masters the momentum it needed on the way to completing the comeback from 21 down.
The veteran guard finished with 17 points as the Dennis Uy-owned franchise pushed the series to a Game 4 on Wednesday also at the same venue.
“Coming into the second half we just told ourselves we weren’t having fun, we’re just too tight,” said head coach Jamike Jarin. “We’re just letting Magnolia do the things they wanted to do. We buckled down on defense and moved the ball.
“And, we worked as a unit offensively and defensively. Eventually, we caught up and executed and made some crucial baskets thanks to this guy, batang-bata eh,” he continued, referring to the 37-year-old Jazul.
Johnathan Williams top-scored with 19 points and 15 rebounds for Phoenix, who also ended a nine-game losing skid against the Hotshots.
The trio of Ken Tuffin, Sean Manganti, and Javee Mocon produced 14 points apiece while lead forward Jason Perkins added 13 markers.
“Like what Coach said in the locker room. we’ll do it together. ‘Di lang kay J3, ‘di lang kay Jason. We’re here together. Everyone is important,” Jazul said.
Tyler Bey, on the other hand, had 18 points on 18 shots and 12 rebounds to lead Magnolia in easily the no. 1 seed’s worst loss of the conference.
Paul Lee finished with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Calvin Abueva had 14 and nine, but the ‘Beast’ fouled out still with 5:27 left to play.
Ian Sangalang added 10 in the defeat that foiled Magnolia’s bid to win a playoff series via sweep for the first time since 1993.
The Scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 103 – Williams 19, Jazul 17, Manganti 14, Tuffin 14, Mocon 14, Perkins 13, Rivero 6, Tio 4, Verano 2, Muyang 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho.
Magnolia 85 – Bey 18, Lee 17, Abueva 14, Sangalang 10, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 6, Reavis 4, alalon 4, Dela Rosa 2, Dionisio 2, Mendoza 0, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0.
Quarterscores: 17-31, 38-51, 71-67, 103-85.
