Phoenix puts brakes on skid, snaps Mahindra streak

The Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters shot the lights out as they snapped their three-game losing streak in a 114-99 wire-to-wire win over the Mahindra Enforcers Wednesday evening at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Behind the troika of bruiser Willie Wilson, floor general RR Garcia, and slasher JC Intal, the Fuel Masters accelerated to a high-scoring first quarter in scoring 34 points. Moreover, they shot an outstanding 63% from the field in the opening frame and were able to limit the Enforcers to just 23 points.

Phoenix’s lead continued to balloon in the next two quarters, reaching 21 points at various times, as the touch from the field became an infection that reached the team’s second-stringers. Veteran stretch forward Mick Pinnisi scored ten off the bench, while Garcia knocked down four triples.

On the inside, import Kevinn Pinkney feasted in the paint together with Wilson. The frontline of Augustus Gilchrist, Bradwyn Guinto, and, later on, Mark Yee had no answer for the duo.

“The plan was just to arrest our three-game skid, I’m happy the players came out ready,” Phoenix head coach Koi Banal said. “It all started on the defensive end.”

After a triple by Garcia gave Phoenix a 105-84 lead, the Enforcers tried to rally back. However, a highlight JC Intal dunk halted any momentum they gained before eventually winning the game, 114-99.

Tenured veteran Willie Wilson played his best game of the conference, notching a double-double with 21 points and ten boards. He was an excellent 10/13 from the field and had five assists as well. Import Kevinn Pinkney and RR Garcia added 23 and 22 points respectively.

For Mahindra, only import Augustus Gilchrist and KG Canaleta were the bright spots for their team. Gilchrist grabbed a double-double with 21 points and 12 boards, while Canaleta had 18 points on a 66% shooting clip and grabbed nine boards.

As a team, the Fuel Masters were an excellent 52% from the field compared to 45% by their opponents. Moreover, they were red-hot from three-point country, knocking-down a conference-high 14 triples.

The Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters (2-3) will only have three days off before facing the Star Hotshots on Saturday, March 12 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. On the other hand, the Mahindra Enforcers (3-3) look to bounce back next week, March 16 against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Scores:

Phoenix (114) – Pinkney 23, Garcia 22, Wilson 21, Intal 16, Pennisi 10, Urbictondo 7, Brondial 5, Lanete 5, Monfort 5, Baracael 0.

Mahindra (99) – Gilchrist 21, Canaleta 18, Dehesa 14, Digregorio 8, Pascual 8, Ramos 7, Yee 7, Pinto 6, Jaime 4, Revilla 4, Guinto 2, Hubalde 0, Webb 0, Alvarez 0.

Quarterscores: 34-23, 61-47, 92-72, 114-99.