ANTIPOLO – Phoenix Super LPG extended its winning streak to four, beating Rain or Shine, 92-83, on Wednesday in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
Encho Serrano scored the much-needed baskets late in the game as the Fuel Masters protected their big lead that reached as high as 18 to improve their record to 4-3 to close in on the leaders in the standings after a slow start to the conference.
Rain or Shine dropped to 3-4.
Tyler Tio and the Fuel Masters notch their fourth win in seven games.
Serrano posted a career-high 18 points, half of which came in the fourth. He scored a lay-up with 1:34 remaining to help Phoenix regain control, 88-83, after Rain or Shine came to within three.
Prior to the shot, Serrano drained a three to increase the lead to 86-78, but was slapped with a deliberate foul against Rain or Shine import Steve Taylor Jr. to keep the Elasto Painters in the game.
“We know it’s going to be a physical game,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson, who faced off against his former coach Yeng Guiao during his PBA days. “I’ve always been with coach Yeng and he always put emphasis on being mentally tough. I’m just passing on what I learned from coach Yeng and try to hold on to this opportunity kasi that’s important playing against any coach Yeng Guiao team.”
Phoenix is now in solo sixth place in the standings, pending the result of the NorthPort-San Miguel clash in the second game. The Fuel Masters continued to pile up wins since news about the company’s alleged unpaid debts that put the future of the PBA franchise in question.
Kaleb Wesson added 21 points and 17 rebounds, while leading Phoenix to a 68-50 lead in the third quarter.
Taylor had 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac added 14 points including a three that cut the deficit to three, 86-83, before Serrano took charge.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 92 – Wesson 21, Serrano 18, Jazul 11, Anthony 9, Pascual 8, Manganti 7, Mocon 5, Tio 5, Rios 4, Adamos 2, Robles 2, Lojera 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Camacho 0.
Rain or Shine 83 – Taylor Jr. 16, Mamuyac 14, Nambatac 12, Asistio 9, Belga 8, Caracut 5, Norwood 5, Ponferada 5, Demusis 5, Borboran 2, Santillan 2, Nieto 0.
Quarters: 19-22; 48-42; 72-59; 92-83.
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