Phoenix, NLEX take openers

Games Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs Blackwater 7 p.m. – GlobalPort vs Rain or Shine

Import Eugene Phelps picked up where he left off from two previous appearances as Phoenix bucked the absence of Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Matthew Wright to outclass Kia, 118-105, yesterday and kick off the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Phelps finished with 33 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in 35 minutes despite dealing with an injured finger he sustained in a recent stint in Puerto Rico. Cramps also saw him sit out the last five minutes as he helped the Fuel Masters begin their bid for a breakthrough semifinal appearance on a bright note.

The player known as “El Destructor,” who made his debut in last year's Governors' Cup, produced a fitting follow-up to his 53-point, 21-rebound performance against Blackwater in the Commissioner's Cup before heading to Puerto Rico.

Phelps, however, lasted just four games in the Caribbean due to his injury, prompting him to make an early return to Manila to reunite with Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia and the rest of his teammates.

“He's getting there,” said Vanguardia. “We had a long preseason with him because of his injury, he had mild cramps earlier but I think he'll adjust to his minutes; we know what Eugene can give us.”

The Fuel Masters led for most of the way, but the Picanto, who was receiving instructions mostly from consultant Joe Lipa, closed in at 65-62 in the third on a trey by Bong Galanza.

Designated coach Manny Pacquiao was on hand and lead assistant Chris Gavina was also present but it was Lipa who ran the show for the squad.

In the second game, import Aaron Fuller finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds as NLEX extended the frustrations of Alaska with a 112-104 victory. The Road Warriors, who also got 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists from Kevin Alas, dealt the Aces their ninth straight loss since last conference.

Phelps 33, Intal 19, Jazul 18, Eriobu 12, Baguio 11, Dehesa 9, Alolino 8, W. Wilson 4, Kramer 2, J. Wilson 2, Lanete 0, Hayes 0, Borboran 0, Miranda 0.

Cummings 31, Galanza 15, Jaime 11, Revilla 10, Paniamogan 9, Caperal 8, Khobuntin 7, Teng 5, Corpuz 4, Celda 3, Camson 2, Ballesteros 0, Elorde 0, Salva 0.

Quarters: 33-24; 57-48; 83-75; 118-105.

NLEX 112 – Fuller 30, Alas 20, Tiongson 13, Quinahan 9, Rios 8, Taulava 8, Mallari 7, Soyud 6, Al-Hussaini 6, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0, Villanueva J. 0, Ighalo 0.

– Henton 27, Enciso 21, Abueva 12, Banchero 11, Thoss 10, Manuel 9, Casio 7, Racal 5, De la Cruz 2, Baclao 0, Magat 0.