The fiery start of Phoenix continued as its foot was still pressed hard on the gas pedal, waylaying helpless Blackwater, 114-95, with ease to win its fourth straight game in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last night.
The wealth was once again well spread for the Fuel Masters as multiple players produced in double-figures to secure the triumph.
However, it was Calvin Abueva, who stood the tallest, pouring in monster numbers with team-highs of 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Matthew Wright wasn’t far behind, unloading a complete game with 19 markers, seven boards and seven dimes, while Jason Perkins had 15 and Justin Chua and Alex Mallari with 12 points each.
The Fuel Masters kept their place at the top as they remained unbeaten with an improved 4-0 mark—their best start in franchise history.
On the other hand, the Elite slipped further down to 1-3 as it was unable to sustain its brief success the last time out.
Oozing with confidence and fluidity on both ends, the Fuel Masters hardly broke a sweat in taking down the Elite.
Firing from all cylinders, Phoenix unleashed a blazing start, zooming to a gigantic 37-13 advantage right away late in the opening period to practically seize total control.
That’s all it took for the Fuel Masters to put the game to rest as they breezed the rest of the way for the easy victory.
The game was already out of reach by halftime as Phoenix carried on with its 24-points cushion, 66-42.
The lead of the Fuel Masters stayed in the 20s for most part.
The Elite was never in it as it got ran out of the building by Phoenix from the onset.
Abu Tratter paced Blackwater in the losing effort with a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds.
