Hot Phoenix burns NLEX, grabs share of fourth
Phoenix Petroleum ran on a high-octane gas in the second half and rammed past NLEX, 102-91, to move up to joint fourth place in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Wednesday night.
The Fuel Masters actually started gearing up late in the second period before going full blast in the final half and roaring to tie the Blackwater Elite and the TNT KaTropa Texters at fourth at 5-4.
Bouncing back strong from an 83-97 loss to Rain or Shine the last time out, the Fuel Masters rallied back in strong contention at least for a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals.
The Road Warriors, blowing cold in the final half, virtually kissed their playoff hopes goodbye with a seventh loss against only two wins.
“Nothing to celebrate pa dahil lahat ng 5-4 tinalo kami,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia.
Simon Enciso best typified their turnaround effort from the last time out as the young playmaker fired away five treys and a team-high total of 21 points after making just three against the E-Painters.
“I told myself it’s just one game and I was confident because of the hard work I put in practice,” said Enciso.
Enciso spearheaded Phoenix’s high-octane charge in the third quarter, enabling the team to open a 24-point lead after trailing by seven in the second period.
Enciso and JC Intal came out firing from the halftime huddle, fueling breakaway from a 53-48 count at the start of the second half.
Cyrus Baguio, Willy Wilson and Matthew Wright also provided spark and firepower as the Fuel Masters pulled away at 81-63 after three quarters and held sway through the final quarter.
Intal added 16 points, Baguio chipped in 13 off the bench while Wright and Wilson put in 12 apiece.
Sean Anthony led the losing team with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists against four turnovers.
The scores:
PHOENIX 102 – Enciso 21, Intal 16, Baguio 13, W. Wilson 12, Wright 12, Borboran 7, Lanete 7, Miranda 5, Torres 5, J.Wilson 2, Caperal 2.
NLEX 91 – Anthony 23, J. Villanueva 11, Soyud 10, Guinto 9, Alas 8, Rios 6, Lanete 6, Taulava 4, Khobuntin 3, Lastimosa 3, Monfort 3, Camson 2, E. Villanueva 2, Gotladera 1, Baracael 0.
Quarters: 20-22, 53-48, 81-63, 102-91
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