EUGENE Phelps did his damage early before his teammates followed suit as Phoenix dealt injury-plagued NorthPort a 41-point beating, 132-91, and stay unbeaten in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Although his 30-point, 15-rebound, four-block performance for the night was a far cry from his 50-point explosion against Columbian four days back, the man they call “El Destructor” did enough to help the Fuel Masters grab a 23-10 first-quarter advantage as he went mano-a-mano against Batang Pier counterpart Rashad Woods.
It wasn’t just Phelps, though, as coach Louie Alas got ample support from his local crew.
Rookie Jason Perkins contributed 18 points and four boards, RJ Jazul shot 3-of-7 from threes to deliver 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds, and Calvin Abueva came off the bench and churned 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists as Phoenix posted the biggest winning margin in franchise history.
Phoenix joined Alaska at the top of the standings at 2-0 before their much-awaited face-off on Wednesday.
“First back-to-back wins yata namin in half a year,” sighed coach Louie Alas. “It’s nice to win two in a row. Big test yung Alaska. It will be a real test for us.”
The Fuel Masters pounced on the hapless Batang Pier, controlling every facet of the game as they won the battle of the boards (59 rebounds to 44), had more assists (38-19), and had 13 steals to NorthPort's three.
Phoenix’s aggression was also evident as it was rewarded with 39 free throws, converting 27.
Woods was the lone bright spot for winless NorthPort (0-2), collecting 42 points on a 17-of-38 clip from the field, to go with four rebounds, and three assists.
Paolo Taha also added 15 points and five rebounds as the Batang Pier continue to miss the services of Stanley Pringle, who is on loan to the Philippine team in the 2018 Asian Games, as well as injured cogs Sean Anthony and Jeric Teng.
The scores:
PHOENIX 132 – Phelps 30, Perkins 18, Jazul 15, Abueva 12, Eriobu 10, Wright 10, Revilla 9, Chua 7, Intal 7, Mendoza 6, Wilson 5, Gamboa 3.
NORTHPORT 91 – Woods 42, Taha 15, Grey 7, Elorde 6, Guinto 6, Javelona 5, Espinas 4, Flores 4, Tautuaa 2, Gabayni 0.
Quarters: 37-28, 60-43, 94-62, 132-91.
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