Phoenix Pulse dodged a huge threat down the stretch to hold off Blackwater, 103-98, in its debut for its first win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.
Led by ace gunner Matthew Wright, five Phoenix chargers scored in twin-digits for a balanced attack to hold off Blackwater despite its late-game blitz.
Wright finished with a team-high 22 points on top of seven rebounds and six assists to pace the Fuel Masters.
As Phoenix opened up its run at 1-0, Blackwater had its three-game winning streak snapped as it tasted its first defeat, slipping to 3-1 for second place.
The Fuel Masters needed to hold its ground in the closing minutes after the Elite made a furious rally to make it entertaining.
After seeing almost of its 19-point lead vanish, Phoenix banked in some key free throws in the final seconds to ice the win and have a huge sigh of relief.
Blackwater inched within just two, 98-100, after a split from Mac Belo with 11 seconds.
However, Phoenix sank three insuring freebies down the stretch to put itself out of harm’s way.
Import Rob Dozier had a double-double with 18 markers and 16 boards, while RJ Jazul added 17 and Jason Perkins had 16 for the Fuel Masters.
Uncorking a 16-6 surge in the middle of the third, Phoenix was able to seize control by opening up a double-digit lead, 73-62, after a Wright triple at the 2:50 mark of the period.
The Fuel Masters kept their advantage going to the fourth, 80-71.
The Fuel Masters apexed their lead to 19 points, 93-74, with 8:02 remaining after a completed alley-oop by Dozier.
In a last-ditch effort, Blackwater made that dazzling rally to threaten in the final minute.
Blackwater was led by Bobby Ray Parks Jr. with his game-high 25 points while Alex Stepheson dished out 24 points and 18 boards in the losing cause.
The scores:
Phoenix 103—Wright 22, Dozier 18, Jazul 17, Perkins 16, Abueva 13, Mallari 8, Chua 7, Kramer 2, Revilla 0, Intal 0, Marcelo 0, Wilson 0.
Blackwater 98—Parks 25, Stepheson 24, Belo 12, Sumang 10, Tratter 7, Maliksi 6, Al-Hussaini 6, Digregorio 4, Cortez 2, Alolino 2, Salem 0.
Quarterscores: 15-17, 41-41, 80-71, 103-98.