Phoenix Super LPG pulled away late to send NorthPort reeling to another defeat, 113-104, to boost iits top four chances in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Johnathan Williams delivered another monster outing with 38 points, 19 rebounds, and nine assists as he sparked the crucial 9-0 run towards a 104-95 lead with six minutes left to play to seize control the rest of the way.
Now the Fuel Masters have become the hottest team in the league as they’ve won their sixth straight, now the longest active winning streak of the conference after Magnolia got stunned by Rain or Shine last Saturday after a fiery 7-0 start.
Phoenix is now sharing leadership of the team standings with the perennial contenders as both teams carry identical 7-1 win-loss records.
“We still can’t celebrate. There are still a lot of games to be played,” said head coach Jamike Jarin. “I’m just happy to get a victory against NorthPort, now the focus shifts to San Miguel on Christmas Day.”
Rookie Kenneth Tuffin continued his fine play as he supplied 15 points on a 54-percent shooting clip from the floor, three rebounds, and three assists.
Tyler Tio supplied 14 points while big man Larry Muyang added 10 points and six rebounds for a Fuel Masters side that pulled through despite missing the services of Jason Perkins, who recently signed a fresh three-year deal.
Phoenix will look to stretch its hot streak against San Miguel Beer on Christmas Day. Game time is at 4 p.m. also at the Big Dome, where the Beermen are expected to parade new import Bennie Boatwright.
Venky Jois, on the other hand, finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists to lead NorthPort although the Australian forward was not at a hundred percent again due to an apparent leg injury he felt during the fourth quarter.
Arvin Tolentino made 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Joshua Munzon had 13 points while Cade Flores and JM Calma added 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Batang Pier, which lost their second in a row.
Now the team of Coach Bonnie Tan (5-4) will try to arrest their skid against the woeful Blackwater in the conference’s resumption from the upcoming holiday break on January 5. Match is at 4 p.m. in Araneta as well.
The Scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 113 – Williams 38, Tuffin 15, Tio 14, Muyang 10, Mocon 8, Rivero 8, Alejandro 6, Jazul 6, Garcia 4, Verano 3, Manganti 1, Camacho 0, Lalata 0, Daves 0.
NorthPort 104 – Jois 27, Tolentino 19, Munzon 13, Flores 12, Calma 11, Zamar 7, Bulanadi 6, Chan 3, Amores 3, Paraiso 2, Caperal 1, Yu 0, Rosales 0, Adamos 0.
Quarterscores: 26-28, 56-60, 87-89, 113-104.
