Phoenix Super LPG shackled rival import Jordan Williams all game long and displayed balance offensive firepower as the Fuel Masters scored a whopping 125-100 over Terrafirma in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Williams, the player who once scored 57 points, was slowed down by the defense of the Fuel Masters.
Williams was limited to two points in each quarter from second to fourth periods as the reinforcement just couldn’t find an antidote to the airtight defense of Phoenix.
With half of the job done, the Fuel Masters displayed unselfish basketball on the offensive end with seven players scoring nine points or more.
Du’Vaughn Maxwell finished with 20 points, while Jason Perkins produced 14.
Javee Mocon came back after undergoing knee procedure to remove a bone spur, and tallied 13, while Encho Serrano also came back from injury and contributed 12.
RR Garcia and Sean Manganti had 11 and 10 respectively, and Kurt Lojera chipped in nine in a display of balance firepower by Phoenix, which shot 53 percent (47-of-88).
The Fuel Masters lost Maxwell midway through the third period after getting called for a flagrant foul penalty foul against Williams.
Maxwell was already called for a technical earlier which led to his automatic ejection.
“Everyone stepped up when we lost Maxwell, it was unfortunate, but everyone stepped up,” said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.
It was only the second win in seven games for the Fuel Masters, who are looking to make a return trip to the quarterfinals after making it to the playoffs last conference.
Only eight teams will advance to the next round with the top four getting a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
The Scores:
PHOENIX (125) — Maxwell 20, Perkins 14, Mocon 13, Serrano 12, Garcia 11, Manganti 10, Lojera 9, Camaco 8, Muyang 5, Adamos 6, Tio 5, Alejandro 5, Lalata 4, Jazul 3, Soyud 0, Go 0.
TERRAFIRMA (100) — Tiongson 27, Cabagnot 16, Camson 15, J.Williams 14, Gomez de Liano 6, Cahilig 5, Alolino 5, Mina 4, Ramos 3, Daquioag 3, Gabayni 2, Calvo 0, Grospe 0.
QUARTERS: 29-24, 64-45, 94-69, 125-100.
