Phoenix ignited a decisive run midway through the fourth quarter to leave Terrafirma behind on its way to its first win, 94-78, in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Veteran Javee Mocon and RR Garcia fueled the 16-2 run for the separation after a tight first three quarters as the Fuel Masters arrested a three-game slide.
However, it was Garcia’s steady game that glued the team together for the turnaround in the match that headed into the payoff locked at 64.
Garcia finished with 20 points with his last four markers capping the blistering pull away, 92-75, with 1:22 left.
The guard, who took over the spot of injured starting court general Tyler Tio, dished out a career-best 10 assists without committing a turnover and grabbed six rebounds in an all-around performance for Phoenix.
“Vintage RR. I think he had 20 and 10 without committing turnovers. RR’s composure especially during stretches where we needed points. I think that played a crucial part in the turnaround,” Fuel Masters assistant coach Paulo Dizon said.
Jason Perkins added 18 points with seven rebounds and five assists, Ken Tuffin got 17 markers and nine rebounds while Larry Muyang got 13 points for Phoenix. Mocon posted eight markers.
The Dyip dropped to a 2-2 slate and played sans top rookie Stephen Holt due to a back issue.
Javi Gomez de Liano paced Terrafirma with 19 points while Juami Tiongson had 16 markers, six assists and five boards.
Eric Camson had 10 points as the only other Dyip player in double figures.
Box scores:
PHOENIX (94) – Garcia 20, Perkins 18, Tuffin 17, Muyang 13, Daves 8, Mocon 8, Jazul 7, Rivero 3, Manganti 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0
TERRAFIRMA (78) – Gomez de Liano 19, Tiongson 16, Camson 10, Alolino 8, Sangalang 8, Go 4, Carino 4, Mina 3, Ramos 2, Olivario 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0
Quarters: 19-16, 39-44, 64-64, 94-78
