RISING PHOENIX
Fuel Masters cut series deficit to 2-1
Don’t write off Phoenix Super LPG just yet.
The Fuel Masters came out fully recharged in the second half, outscoring Magnolia, 33-16, in the third period and sustaining their energy from there to score a smashing 103-85 win in Game 3 of their Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinals series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Phoenix’s rise in the third game of the series kept its hopes alive as it reduced the series deficit to 2-1.
The Fuel Masters can tie the series at 2-all with another win on Wednesday’s Game 4 and force a winner-take-all showdown. Faced with the prospects of being swept by the Hotshots, who took a 40-19 lead in the second period the Fuel Masters mustered whatever was left on the tank, until they refueled in the third period and played high-octane ball.
“When I called a time out in the second quarter, I told my team to let’s try to get it down,” said Phoenix Super LPG coach Jamike Jarin.
“There’s no such thing as a 21-point shot, and fortunately, we were able to get it. Then, we came out of the locker room. We came out with fire in our eyes and we were able to tie the game and get the lead.”
With momentum starting to build up, RJ Jazul took charge.
The veteran guard knocked in three straight triples and conspired with Javee Mocon, who had a completed three-point play early in the fourth as Phoenix turned a slim 73-69 lead to an 85-71 edge with 8:34 left.
Jazul finished with 17 points, including a steady 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.