Games today:
(Philsports Arena)
3 p.m. — Meralco vs NLEX
6:15 p.m. — Ginebra vs Terrafirma
Phoenix Super LPG survived a humdinger of an encounter against a game and gutsy Converge side, 99-98, in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Fuel Masters refused to fold despite the FiberXers’ repeated uprising with rookie Ken Tuffin delivering the biggest play of the night.
Tuffin served as a decoy by setting up a flare screen to a popping teammate from the perimeter but decided to go on a slip by driving to the basket and receiving a pass from Jason Perkins for the go-ahead basket.
The victory allowed the Fuel Masters to extend their winning streak to four.
That basket by Tuffin in the last five seconds coupled with a big stop by the Fuel Masters on Aljun Melecio preserved the victory for Phoenix, which remains as one of the hottest teams in the tournament.
The latest win picked up by the Fuel Masters solidified the team’s hold of the solo second spot as they improved their win-loss record to 5-1.
Victory remains elusive for Converge, which remained winless in five games.
Action in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup resumes on Sunday at the Philsports Arena with Barangay Ginebra welcoming the return of veteran guard LA Tenorio.
The Gin Kings will take on Terrafirma at 6:15 p.m. right after the curtain raiser between Meralco and NLEX at 3 p.m.
Tenorio will be making his return since announcing his temporary retirement due to colon cancer.
Now cleared to play and declared cancer-free, Tenorio is excited to get back in action.
“I think the role will be different now knowing that we’re not young anymore and I’m still trying to get the rhythm and the timing after nine months of inactivity,” Tenorio said.
“But I think what’s the same is I’m still going to provide leadership for the team.”
Ginebra is looking for its fourth win in five games, which would put the squad at solo third place while Terrafirma is out to atone for its back-to-back defeats.
