Phoenix Petroleum started the game like a house on fire and never looked back as it manhandled the NLEX Road Warriors, 123-97, so solidify its bid in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.
It was another solid day in the office for Eugene Phelps, who had yet another monstrous showing.
The bull-strong import exploded for a monstrous 51-point night to mightily spearhead the Fuelmasters to victory.
The victory boosted Phoenix’s quarterfinals bid as it moved a step closer to a berth in the next round. It improved to 6-2 for fifth place.
On the other hand, NLEX’s inconsistencies continued as it has now lost two in a row, dropping to a 4-4 slate.
Bringing out its fire from the get-go, the Fuel Masters were able to quickly break away from the shell-shocked Road Warriors.
Opening up with a mighty surge, Phoenix raced to a huge 34-18 spread at the end of one to seize complete control right away.
That proved to be just the start a lopsided affair.
Matthew Wright’s left corner triple at the 2:54 mark of the second frame gave Phoenix an even bigger cushion of 33 points, 62-29.
At that point, the contest was virtually decided.
Phoenix ended up exploding 71 points in the first 24 minutes of play as opposed to only 33 for NLEX.
Phelps already had 28 markers at intermission to lead the Fuel Masters’ onslaught.
Calvin Abueva added 17 markers for Phoenix.
Aaron Fuller led NLEX with a team-high 38 points in a losing cause.