Phoenix stays hot
Phoenix continued to rally behind Eugene Phelps and the rewards keep coming.
Phelps emerged with game-highs of 36 points and 20 rebounds in powering Phoenix to a 95-82 victory over previously unbeaten Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok Sunday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phelps made 11 of 21 field goal tries and also had four blocked shots in atoning for a 14-for-26 clip from the stripe while giving his teammates immeasurable confidence boost that pointed them to a third straight win.
As an offshoot, Phoenix managed to break off for good in the fourth period before officially stretching its best start ever with a fifth win in six games to lie just behind unbeaten leader Blackwater.
The loss was the first in three games for Magnolia despite Romeo Travis notching 28 points and 19 rebounds and Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang and Jio Jalalon chipping in 11 points apiece.
More balanced was the offensive effort of Phoenix, although a little reminder from coach Louie Alas also went a long way in steadying the Fuel Masters’ drive after they blew an early 13-point lead.
“First half we started strong. But nu’ng nakita na lumamang kami bumalik dating habit naming,” related Alas. “That’s why I told them, ‘Show your maturity.’ Ang feeling kasi namin kanina, we’ll just keep on matching them mananalo na kami. Sabi ko, ‘This is not the case here. Last time na naglaro tayo sa Cuneta (Astrodome), we were up by 10 in the fourth quarter then easily nahabol.’
“Sabi ko. ‘Show your maturity.’ Iyun naman naging sagot nila sa third quarter. Best quarter namin sa game third quarter.”
Indeed, Phoenix did not panic despite getting caught and even overtaken by Magnolia, wresting the back the upper hand before taking full control in the fourth period where Phelps scored eight of his points.
Travis’ short stab brought the Hotshots within 72-75, but that proved to be their last gasp as Wright, Phelps, LA Revilla and Calvin Abueva joined hands for a 7-0 surge before Abueva and Phelps stretched their lead to 87-75, 3:34 left.—