Rookie guard Encho Serrano played with confidence as he drilled in the winning basket for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in their 106-103 stopping of the Converge FiberXers Sunday night in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Serrano scored on a layup in the last 19 seconds, pushing the Fuel Masters out of trouble, 105-103, and helping propel the Fuel Masters to their third win in eight games.
“Inisip ko na gusto kong tumulong. Kaya, iyun, nu’ng pinasok ako ni coach Jamike (Jarin), iyung confidence ko ay ‘di naman nawawala,” said Serrano.
Playing off the bench at the start of the second half, Serrano went on to finish with a season-high 28 points for the Fuel Masters.
Serrano fired 17 points in the fourth period, with his two charities in the last 2:08, allowing Phoenix to stay in front, 99-98.
His basket shattered a 103-all deadlock, which Serrano also forced with his split charity in the last 43 seconds.
Jarin said their weeklong rest after their 125-100 triumph over Terrafirma Dyip gave the Fuel Masters enough energy to pull off the win.
DuVaughn Maxwell added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, who will next clash with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday.
Jamaal Franklin knocked in 30 points for the FiberXers, but he misfired with two three-pointers in the remaining time.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 106—Serrano 28, Maxwell 19, Perkins 16, Tio 16, Muyang 8, Mocon 7, Camaco 4, Jazul 3, Manganti 3, Garcia 2, Alejandro 0
CONVERGE 103—Franklin 30, Stockton 11, Balanza 11, Racal 11, Teng 11, Ahanmisi 10, Arana 8, Ebona 4, Tratter 4, Browne 0
QUARTERS: 23-24, 42-49, 66-69, 106-103
