PHOENIX Petroleum introduced itself with a bang.
The league’s newest member listed a win right in its initial try as the Fuel Masters walloped NLEX, 118-106, in a rousing 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup debut at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Despite coming off a shoulder injury, rising star RR Garcia didn’t miss a beat as he resumed his improved play by exploding for a career-high 33 points built around six triples to finish with an incredible 68 percent shooting, to go with six assists in leading Phoenix to the victory.
“We obviously missed RR (Garcia) and what he brings. We missed that kind of spunk when he got injured late last conference,” said Phoenix coach Koy Banal of his prized ward. “We have him back now and he continues to play really well.”
Kenny Adeleke also had a good showing, producing a double-double of 18 points and 20 rebounds as he manned the paint quite well for his squad.
“The players are all pumped up and inspired to play. I’m thankful that the players gave their all for us to get the W,’’ added Banal.
Phoenix, the league’s newcomer which bought the Barako Bull franchise last month, started taking charge in the second half, as it made a killing on both ends to break away from NLEX, which dropped to 1-1.
Following a tight first half, the Fuel Masters started the second half with a key 11-5 run, capped by a triple from Garcia for a 61-52 lead at the 8:47 mark of the third period.
A few minutes later, Willie Wilson’s jumper at the 3:35 of the third gave Phoenix its first double-digit lead of the game, 75-64, before it carried an 84-76 edge into the last quarter.
From there, Garcia and the Fuel Masters held on as they shut down each comeback attempt by the Road Warriors and kept them at bay until the final horn.
JC Intal added 17 points and Mac Baracael came off the bench to score 15 for the Fuel Masters.
After exploding for 50 points in NLEX’s opening game win, Al Thornton was contained by Phoenix to 27 points.
Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa reduced the penalties and ban time of Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johnson.
Following a one-on-one meeting last Tuesday afternoon at the PBA Office after Johnson personally apologized to Narvasa, the league head decided to instead give Johnson a lighter fine of P150,000 instead of the original P250,000, while also lowering the original lifetime ban sanction to a season-long suspension.
