Fire continued to burn for Phoenix.
The Fuelmasters sustained their hot start as they methodically cut down Columbian Dyip, 108-98, to gain solo leadership as they stayed unbeaten in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Matthew Wright assumed his role as the Phoenix’s top gun, scoring a game-high 22 points while getting a lot of support from Jason Perkins and Calvin Abueva.
Perkins listed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while Abueva nearly had the same output, tallying 16 markers and nine boards.
The Fuel Masters notched their third straight win in as many starts to hold the sole leadership with their 3-0 mark while the Dyip experiened its first taste of defeat this conference, falling to 1-1.
Phoenix’s urge to send the Dyip back to earth was evident right from the get-go.
After gaining some leverage at the end of one, the Fuel Masters carried on and built a sizeable double-digit lead, 46-31, with over three minutes left in the first half after a Doug Kramer lay-up.
While Columbian trimmed the gap to 53-47 for Phoenix at the turn, the Fuel Masters refueled for a stronger second half.
Phoenix grinded and won an early exchange in the third, restoring its twin-digit advantage, 76-60, after converted free throws from Dave Marcelo at the 4:53 mark.
There was no looking back from there for the Fuel Masters as they closed out the game and outdueled Dyip the rest of the way.
It was practically a cruise for Phoenix, more or less, as Columbian failed to complete a significant run to keep itself in the game.
Rookie JP Calvo led Columbian with a team-high 18 points.
The scores: Phoenix 108—Wright 22, Abueva 16, Perkins 14, Intal 13, Revilla 12, Kramer 8, Marcelo 7, Jazul 6, Chua 4, Mendoza 2, Napoles 2, Dennison 2, Mallari 0.
Columbian 98—Calvo 18, Camson 13, Corpuz 13, McCarthy 10, Perez 10, Reyes 9, Celda 9, Escoto 8, Khobuntin 6, Agovida 2, Cahilig 0, Cabrera 0, Tabi 0.
Quarter scores: 24-14, 53-47, 82-72, 108-98.
