Phoenix makes grand debut, waylays NLEX
Games Tomorrow (Mall of Asia Arena) 4:15 p.m. – Alaska vs Blackwater 7 p.m. – TNT vs Globalport
Newcomer Phoenix Petroleum didn’t wait long to get going.
Stepping on the gas in the third quarter, Phoenix torched the NLEX Road Warriors for 11- of-17 three-point shots in the second half and RR Garcia unloaded a career-high 33 points as the Fuel Masters debuted with a runaway 118-106 victory in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters, who purchased the Barako Bull franchise reportedly for P100 million, shot a shade better from beyond the 3-point arc than from the perimeter, with Garcia, back from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the Philippine Cup playoffs, hitting 6- of-8, JC Intal 4- of-9, Mac Baracael 3- of-4 and Mick Pennisi 2- of-3.
NLEX, which outlasted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in overtime, 114112, five days ago, was within 104-100 with 4:04 remaining but bit the dust after Phoenix poured on the heat with an 11-2 run highlighted by a Garcia triple and a JC Intal slam dunk.
“We’re just so happy and blessed,” said Intal, who had 17 points behind Nigerian import Kenny Adeleke’s 18 points and 20 rebounds. “This is historic for us kasi first win with a new team. Everyone contributed. Maganda rin ang dinepensa ng team.”
Adeleke was 8- of-21 from the field but was atrocious from the foul line, going 2- of-10, including four straight misses when the Fuel Masters were trying to break away early in the third.
“He’s just 80 percent in shape, but we have faith and trust in him,” said Phoenix coach Koy Banal, adding Adeleke had the benefit of 10 days of practice with former Barako Bull import Liam McMorrow, who took a side trip while playing in Taipei and dropped by team practice.
“Kenny held himself up just fine,” said Banal when asked about the matchup. “It’s just that Liam is taller and in better condition.”
Clutch 3-pointers by Garcia and Intal opened several 11-point leads in the third quarter for Phoenix. Josh Urbiztondo then nailed back-to-back 3s in the fourth and Baracael drained another to leave the advantage at 10 before Thornton, his left knee heavily wrapped, fought through the handicap to bring NLEX within striking distance in the last four minutes.
In the second game, Meralco lost a 26-point lead in the second half but held on to beat Rain or Shine, 98-95, and stay unbeaten after three matches.
First Game
PHOENIX 118 – Garcia 33, Adeleke 18, Intal 17, Baracael 15, Brondial 8, Pennisi 8, Urbiztondo 6, Wilson 6, Lanete 5, Fortuna 2, Monfort 0.
NLEX 106 – Thornton 27, Anthony 19, Taulava 18, Villanueva J. 16, Wilson 7, Borboran 5, Alas 3, Rios 3, Enciso 2, Khobuntin 2, Lanete 2, Villanueva E. 2, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 21-24; 50-47; 84-76; 118-106.
Second Game MERALCO 98 – Onuaku 31, Dillinger 16, Hodge 12, Bono 9, Caram 8, David 5, Nabong 4, Newsome 4, Amer 3, Al Hussaini 2, Faundo 2, Ferriols 2.
RAIN OR SHINE 95 – Ahanmisi 19, Cruz 15, Quinahan 15, Norwood 12, Almazan 8, Chan 6, Ponferada 6, Belga 5, Chism 3, Tiu 3, Trollano 2, Matias 1, Ibanes 0, Nimes 0.
Quarters: 19-15; 61-36; 76-76; 98-95.