Young guns provided the much-needed spark as Phoenix Super LPG came from behind and frustrated NLEX, 113-101, for a victorious PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup debut, Friday night at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
JJ Alejandro and rookies Ricci Rivero and Kenneth Tuffin joined forces in the key 13-0 run for the 102-90 lead with 6:32 left, enough to swing momentum in their favor as they went on to complete the rally from as much as 16 down.
“The reason why we were able to get the win and come from behind was because we trust each other,” said head coach Jamike Jarin.
Alejandro finished with a career-high 18 points, all of which he earned from beyond the arc as he sank six treys — half of which he made to start the fourth quarter that helped his side gather steam before the crucial surge later on.
Tuffin came through with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Rivero delivered 15 points — eight in the fourth — on 5-of-11 shooting from the field.
(C) PBA Images
“The thoroughbreds have played a key role and they will play a lot of roles in the coming conferences,” said Jarin.
Top-scoring for Phoenix, though, was import Johnathan Williams III as he tallied 26 points and 13 rebounds, but committed eight turnovers.
Making his presence felt as well was sophomore guard Tyler Tio as he finished with 17 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.
For NLEX, Thomas Robinson led the pack with 26 points but was subbed out still with under seven minutes to go, never to return. The former NBA cager committed a total of 10 turnovers in the 31 minutes he played.
Don Trollano and Kevin Alas carried the fight for the Road Warriors with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Sean Anthony helped out as well with 15.
The Scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 113 – Williams 26, Alejandro 18, Tio 17, Tuffin 16, Rivero 15, Mocon 11, Jazul 5, Muyang 3, Daves 2, Soyud 0, Camacho 0, Perkins 0, Verano 0, Manganti 0.
NLEX 101 – Robinson 26, Trollano 20, Alas 18, Anthony 15, Semerad 9, Nieto 6, Marcelo 3, Rodger 2, Miranda 2, Rosales 0, Herndon 0.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 49-60, 78-86, 113-101.
