Phoenix gave Charles Tiu a triumphant head coaching debut after gutting out a 101-98 victory over Magnolia in a thrilling start to their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Friday night.
Evan Nelle banked in a crucial leaner over Zavier Lucero before JC Cullar split his foul shots with eight seconds left, and those proved to be enough for the Fuel Masters to avert disaster as they nearly lost a 94-82 lead late in the game.
“It’s definitely a surreal feeling for me getting the first win off my back,” said Tiu while giving all the credit to his players in hacking out the triumph. “Hopefully this won’t be the last time that I sit here (in the press room).”
Six players finished in double figures in the win, with James Dickey III leading the pack with 20 points and 26 rebounds alongside five rebounds.
Jason Perkins made 19 points. Kai Ballungay and Kenneth Tuffin came through with 12 points apiece and combined for 13 rebounds, while Nelle and Ricci Rivero chipped in 10 markers apiece for the Fuel Masters.
