ANTIPOLO — Phoenix Super LPG prevented a collapse from happening and survived Rain or Shine, 99-98, to return to the win column of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Saturday night at the Ynares Center here.
The Fuel Masters saw their seven-point lead become just one with 33.2 seconds left following back-to-back triples by Jhonard Clarito and Santi Santillan.
However, luck sided their way as the Elasto Painters couldn’t capitalize on opportunities.
Jason Perkins missed the potential dagger from the corner with 10.4 seconds left. But the team still managed to get the long ball, with Javee Mocon and Tyler Tio diving for the rock.
Perkins then secured it in a wild sequence.
The seasoned forward then threw it to import Johnathan Williams, whose missed free throws with 1.3 seconds left to play. That saved them in a way, as it no longer gave their foes a chance to call time and set up a play.
“You have to give credit to Coach Yeng and his staff and his players. We led by 20 points and they just kept coming back,” said head coach Jamike Jarin.
Williams finished with 29 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 46 minutes to lead Phoenix in averting a 20-point collapse.
Perkins produced 14 points and seven rebounds. Tio made 13 points spiked by three triples, while Sean Manganti added 10.
The Fuel Masters won with former franchise player Matthew Wright in attendance.
“It’s nice to see him support and watch the game,” said Jarin of the Kyoto Hannaryz import, who’s in town as the B.League is on a break.
The Fuel Masters will look to get a mini-win streak going against the skidding Blackwater on November 24 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Santillan, on the other hand, finished with 17 points for Rain or Shine, who absorbed its third successive defeat in as many outings.
Summers had 15 points in his lowest scoring output to date, alongside seven rebounds and four assists. Andrei Caracut had 15 as well.
RoS will look to end its winless spell against reigning conference champions Barangay Ginebra also on November 24.
The Scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 99 – Williams 29, Perkins 14, Tio 13, Manganti 10, Tuffin 9, Rivero 9, Mocon 6, Alejandro 3, Jazul 3, Muyang 2, Verano 1, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
Rain or Shine 98 – Santillan 17, Caracut 15, Summers 15, Belo 9, Nambatac 9, Clarito 9, Mamuyac 7, Belga 7, Demusis 4, Borboran 4, Ildefonso 2, Norwood 0.
Quarterscores: 27-16, 51-49, 74-78, 99-98.
