Columbian Dyip downs Phoenix to snap losing skid
The Columbian Dyip erased a double-digit deficit in the first half to defeat the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 115107, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
John Fields had a monster doubledouble effort for the Dyip with 29 points and 26 boards, to go along with six assists. Glenn Khobuntin chipped in 18, while Jerramy King and Rashawn McCarthy had 15 apiece.
The Fuel Masters were able to erect a lead as high as 14 points in the first half, before Columbian trimmed it to two less than two minutes remaining in the second period. Things were pretty even in the third frame as Phoenix kept a twopoint edge, 75-73, to begin the fourth.
The Dyip scored the game's next six points to take a four-point lead. Both teams exchanged baskets but Columbian went up by five after a layup from King. Matthew Wright answered with a three-point play on the other end but the Dyip uncorked a 6-0 blast to extend the gap to eight, 94-86, 6:36 remaining.
Two free throws by Phelps cut it to six at the 4:30 mark but Khobuntin responded with a layup to bring the lead back up to eight for Columbian. Phoenix tried to keep in step for the next few possessions but the Dyip kept their distance. After Wright made it a sevenpoint game, 1:33 left, Columbian went on an 8-2 spurt to go up 13 points, 11299, good enough to secure its fourth victory of the conference.
The Fuel Masters got 32 points and 22 boards from Eugene Phelps. Rookie Jason Perkins added 14 points and six boards.
Columbian improved to 4-5, while Phoenix, which absorbed its third straight setback, dropped to 3-5 in the team standings. —
ESPN5.com