PHOENIX took care of business in its initial outing, dispatching Kia, 118-105, to open its campaign with a bang in the initial game of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Back to his dominant ways, returning import Eugene Phelps had his usual scoring spree, notching a game-high 33 points to go with 14 rebounds in a solid double-double effort to backstop Phoenix.
He got plenty of help from JC Intal and RJ Jazul, who chipped in 19 and 18 points, respectively.
With Phelps leading the way, the Fuel Masters established early control, surging to an early 12-point lead, 31-19, late in the opening period.
They remained in control for most part and eventually shrugged off the Picanto for good.
The only danger that Phoenix faced was midway the third when it saw its lead go down to just three, 65-62, as Kia opened up the third period with a blitz.
However, the Fuel Masters bounced back right away, keeping their lead and growing back to a safer 83-75 distance heading the fourth where they never looked back.
By halftime, Phelps already had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds as he re-introduced himself to the league in a big way.
The Fuel Masters were able to triumph despite missing the services of top gunner Matthew Wright, who is loaned to the Gilas Pilipinas National Team for the Jones Cup in Taiwan.
In a sudden change, Kia, along with its new team name, has a new man calling the shots as veteran coach Joe Lipa started mentoring the team. Chris Gavina slid down to a supporting role.
The scores:
PHOENIX 118—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.
KIA 105—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.