Raul Soyud powered Phoenix Super LPG past Meralco, 100-93, for a 2-0 start in the PBA On Tour, Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The veteran big man finished with game-highs of 25 points on 11-12 shooting from the field and 13 rebounds as he came through down the stretch to help the Fuel Masters eke out the W after an 88-all stalemate with 3:28 left.
Soyud broke the deadlock through a bucket inside, and he’d also make the game tough to reach for the opposition. His split from the foul line gave his side a two-possession lead, 96-92, with about 39 seconds left to play.
Phoenix would seal the deal behind free throws from RR Garcia, a result of the flagrant fouls slapped on Soyud and Raymar Jose. The two got heated during a battle for the rebound in the closing seconds.
“He was injured in the last conference, that’s why this would help him get his confidence back,” said coach Jamike Jarin of Soyud.
Garcia finished with 15 points in the triumph that also saw the younger ones help out in following up their big debut win versus San Miguel last Sunday.
Larry Muyang came off the bench and delivered his own double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Sean Manganti made 12 points and seven rebounds, while Tyler Tio supplied 10 markers, four boards, and six assists.
“We’re undermanned but we’re happy with what’s happening. We’re just enjoying it, and giving exposure,” said Jarin.
Phoenix will try to make it three in a row against the 1-0 Rain or Shine on Friday, June 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Anjo Caram, on the other hand, led Meralco with 24 points in the defeat. Cliff Hodge had 12 while new acquisition Norbert Torres added 11.
The Bolts (1-1) will gun for redemption against Converge next Sunday, June 4, 5 p.m. also at Ynares-Antipolo.
The Scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 100 – Soyud 25, Garcia 15, Muyang 13, Manganti 12, Tio 10, Atienza 9, Alejandro 7, Lalata 6, Jazul 3.
Meralco 93 – Caram 24, Hodge 12, Torres 11, Quinto 10, Jose 9, Pasaol 7, Rios 6, Pascual 4, Almazan 4, Manday 3, Johnson 3.
Quarterscores: 21-19, 51-43, 73-72, 100-93
