ANTIPOLO — Ricci Rivero rewrote his PBA career-high to power Phoenix in dealing Terrafirma its first loss of the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup by way of a 133-105 beatdown at the Ynares Center here, Wednesday evening.
The crafty combo guard finished with 40 points, including 21 in just the first half as he spearheaded the Fuel Masters’ 31-point pullaway in the second chapter on the way to dislodging the erstwhile unbeaten Dyip atop the standings.
Rivero knocked down seven threes and also chalked up six rebounds and eight assists in 33 minutes of play to lead his side to a solid bounce-back after coming off a 93-86 defeat to Jason Brickman and Meralco the last time out.
Both teams are now carrying identical 3-1 records but Coach Charles Tiu and his charges have the advantage, given the convincing victory.
Ef Escandor also shined in the win with 20 points, most of which he produced in the final period to lead the strong closeout, and five rebounds.
Import James Dickey III netted a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, on top of three assists, three steals, and a block for a full line.
Evan Nelle also made 14 points, while Prince Caperal chipped in 11 markers as a total of five players finished in double figures in the rout that saw the crew shoot 52.8-percent from the field, highlighted by 19 triples.
