PHOENIX opened the new year with a 122-108 win over hapless Terrafirma on Tuesday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Donovan Smith had 37 points and five blocks for the Fuelmasters, who improved to 2-5 and returned to their winning ways in their first game of 2025.
The Fuelmasters outscored the Dyip, 31-13, after a slow start and sent the league's perennial cellar-dwellers reeling to an eighth straight defeat.
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Jason Perkins was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field on his way to scoring 16 points for the Fuelmasters, while Ricci Rivero added 14 points and five assists.
The Fuelmasters capped the second quarter with a 28-9 blast while Smith added 14 in the third. Phoenix’s lead was cut down to four, 88-84, but it restored the gap back to double figures by outscoring Terrafirma, 34-24, in the fourth.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin was glad the Fuelmasters weathered the threat.
“We really needed to get it together especially defensively,” said Jarin. “We were very disappointed in the first quarter and in the third quarter because we gave up a lot of points. It’s still a learning progress for everybody but a lot of credit goes to (Donovan Smith). I’m just blessed to have him.”
Brandon Edwards dropped 25 points while Louie Sangalang added 22 points for the Dyip, who are still without Terrence Romeo.
The scores:
Phoenix 122 – Smith 37, Perkins 16, Rivero 14, Ballungay 10, Tio 10, Tuffin 8, Muyang 7, Jazul 4, Alejandro 4, Manganti 3, Daves 3, Verano 2, Salado 2, Garcia 2, Ular 0.
Terrafirma 108 – Edwards 25, Sangalang 22, Paraiso 16, Nonoy 12, Carino 11, Hernandez 7, Manuel 6, Melecio 5, Pringle 2, Ramos 2, Catapusan 0.
Quarters: 29-36; 60-49; 88-84; 122-108.
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