Phoenix finally laid its harrowing four-game losing skid to rest by prolonging the agony of Terrafirma through a convincing 107-76 victory in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the Ynares Center II in Montalban.
The Fuel Masters scored 10 unanswered points barely two minutes into the game before wrapping up the opening period with a 37-20 lead, and they’d remain in control all the way toward nailing their second win of the conference.
By improving to 2-4 in the standings, Coach Willy Wilson and his wards fanned more hope for their playoff aspirations, although the crew as a whole is choosing to take things one step at a time as they all seek for improvement.
“We’re just trying to go every single game,” he said. “Yes, the ultimate goal is to make the playoffs, but at the same time we want to be somewhere different; we want to improve from Day One to whenever our conference ends.”
(C) PBA Images
Kai Ballungay starred in the wire-to-wire triumph with 19 points to lead all scorers, 12 of which he produced in the first quarter alone behind a perfect 6-for-6 clip from the floor as he was among the catalysts to their strong start.
The young wing finished with an efficient 58.3-percent shooting and also hauled down 12 rebounds to notch yet another double-double in the tourney.
Ricci Rivero came through with 16 points and six rebounds, while Jason Perkins delivered 12 points and seven boards plus five assists and a steal.
Bryan Santos chipped in 12 points as well behind a 4-of-6 shooting from three, including back-to-back to start the match, before Ballungay helped him out for the aforementioned run that set the tone for the one-sided affair.
And eventually, they’d net the 31-point W, which is now the fourth largest win margin in franchise history, per PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
The win should give Phoenix renewed confidence as it heads into a marquee meeting with Ginebra this Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Game time is at 7:30 p.m. as the league returns to the university after two years.
(C) PBA Images
Paolo Hernandez, meanwhile, had 14 points to lead the Dyip, who fell to their fifth straight loss–now tied for the longest active losing skid this conference.
Louie Sangalang had 13 points while Aljon Mariano and Brent Paraiso added 11 and 10 points, respectively, on a night Jerrick Ahanmisi scored just two points as he was the defense’s focal point after a string of 20-point games prior.
The defeat also spoiled the debut of Jerrick’s brother Maverick, who scored just four points in the 11 minutes he played as he continues to find his way back condition-wise after recovering from a toe injury just recently.
Terrafirma (1-6) will face Titan Ultra next on December 6, Saturday, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, hoping not only to end its slide but to keep its chances of advancing to the playoffs still alive and beating.
The Scores:
Phoenix 107 – Ballungay 19, Rivero 16, Perkins 12, Santos 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Daves 6, Jazul 6, Escandor 5, Nelle 4, Garcia 4, Kwekuteye 3, Ando 2, Caperal 1, Manganti 1.
Terrafirma 76 – Hernandez 14, Sangalang 13, Mariano 11, Paraiso 10, Hanapi 9, Catapusan 5, M.Ahanmisi 4, Bravo 3, Rivero 2, J. Ahanmisi 2, Garcia 2, Zaldivar 1, Olivario 0.
Quarterscores: 37-20, 58-47, 84-68, 107-76.
