Ricci Rivero set the tone as Phoenix torched Meralco, 109-97, to break through into the PBA Philippine Cup win column, Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The flashy combo guard poured 14 of his 20 points in the first quarter alone, outscoring the entire opposition to power his Fuel Masters to a 31-13 lead to eventually notch win no. 1 after a 0-2 start into the season-ending tilt.
“We’re all doing the right things, but we just couldn’t get the results that we wanted,” reflected head coach Jamike Jarin of their early struggles.
“So, we talked about it. The answer to all those questions was having fun. Probably we’re just pressuring ourselves too much … so we all just gathered together, had fun, and played our game and stayed together,” he added.
Rivero shot 5-of-8 from the field and also collected four rebounds, two assists, and a block without a turnover in the victory that also served as a warm welcome to Jason Perkins, who’s back in action after being stricken with flu.
The stretch forward from La Salle was solid in his return with 19 points, 10 of which he made in the first half as he helped his side sustain its strong start in the second chapter.
(C) PBA Images
“Now, we’re playing with a full lineup,” said Jarin. “You know Jason, he’s a very good player — and even more as a person. He brings a lot to the team eh. We’re just happy that he’s playing and he’s with us.”
His comeback brought renewed energy to the crew as all 14 players fielded by Coach Jamike Jarin chipped in at least two points in the win.
Tyler Tio top-scored in the triumph with 22 points and 6 assists as he helped keep the opposition at arm’s length during the closing minutes.
Kai Ballungay added 11 points and eight rebounds as Phoenix dealt the defending conference champions their second loss in a row.
“Actually, that’s a big thing, ‘yung sinabi ni Coach kanina: about us being happy, about us having fun inside the court,” said Rivero. “Kasi the team is really happy off the court so we have to translate it also on the court.
The Fuel Masters are now headed to a lengthy break before facing Magnolia on April 26 in Zamboanga City in the league’s first out-of-town offering this conference, looking of course to continue their winning ways.
(C) PBA Images
Chris Newsome, meanwhile, had 18 points to lead Meralco before fouling out late in the game. Bong Quinto supplied 17 points, including a four.
Raymar Jose made 12 points and 17 rebounds. Aaron Black had 12 as well while CJ Cansino and Raymond Almazan added 11 and 10 markers, respectively, in the defeat that dropped their card to an even 2-2.
The Bolts will next face Rain or Shine on April 27, Sunday, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with the aim to get back on track immediately.
The Scores:
Phoenix 109 – Tio 22, Rivero 20, Perkins 19, Ballungay 11, Tuffin 9, Salado 5, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Soyud 3, Garcia 2, Verano 2, Ular 2, Daves 2, Camacho 2, Managanti 2.
Meralco 97 – Newsome 18, Quinto 17, Jose 12, Black 12, Cansino11, Almazan 10, Reyson 6, Rios 5, Caram 2, Torres 2, Hodge 2, Pasaol 0, Bates 0.
Quarterscores: 31-13, 58-37, 91-68, 109-97.
