MONTALBAN - Phoenix scored a wire-to-wire win over Titan Ultra, 109-76, to earn a share of the early lead in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.
The Fuel Masters jumped to an early 21-point lead, allowed a mini-rally by the Giant Risers in the third period, before going on a 16-2 run in the final frame behind Evan Nelle's hot shooting for an 89-66 lead.
It was the second straight win for new head coach Charles Tiu, as Phoenix kicked off its campaign at 2-0 for a tie with idle Terrafirma atop the standings.
For the injury-riddled Fuel Masters, it's their first 2-0 start since the 2021 Governors' Cup with Paul Harris as import, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Ricci Rivero led the Fuel Masters with 18 points and import James Dickey had 17 points and 17 rebounds, as they dealt the Giant Risers a second straight loss.
"You can't take any win in the PBA for granted, being part of the PBA all these years," said Tiu, who once served as deputy coach with Powerade, Barako Bull, Meralco, and Converge before being appointed as head coach of the Fuel Masters.
"It's hard to win any game against any team. So we're happy were able to get back-to-back wins."
Kenneth Tuffin added 17 points for Phoenix, which also got 14 points from Nelle - all in the final quarter including a perfect 3-of-3 from the four-point line.
Bryan Santos also finished in double figures with 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting from three-point range for the Fuel Masters, who were without injured Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins, while Kai Ballungay also went down with a sprained ankle in the third period.
Import Michael Gilmore led the Giant Risers with 27 points and 20 rebounds, but none among the locals finished in double figures.
But Titan managed to claw its way back after trailing 38-17 early in the second quarter..
With Gilmore taking charge, Titan closed to within 59-53 with seven minutes left in the third quarter, and trailed by only nine going to the final period.
Nelle then presided over that telling run to take the fight out of the Giant Risers.
The scores
Phoenix (109) -- Rivero 18, Dicket 17, Tuffin 17, Nelle 14, Santos 13, Ballungay 5, Gozum 4, Escandor 3, Caperal 2, Daves 2, Delos Santos 0, Ando 0.
Titan Ultra (76) -- Gilmore 27, Munzon 9, Yu 9, Sajonia 8, Flores 6, Dionisio 5, Melecio 2, Balanza 2, Ular 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 2, Omega 0, Pessumal 0.
Quarterscores: 33-17: 58-45: 73-64: 109-76.
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