PHOENIX Pulse dealt Blackwater its first loss in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup by hanging tough for a 103-98 victory on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Matthew Wright had 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists and led a third-quarter tear that enabled the Fuel Masters to pull away to a sizeable lead that held up in the face of a late Blackwater comeback.
Rob Dozier also had an auspicious PBA comeback, contributing 18 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks as the Fuel Masters dealt Blackwater a first loss after opening the conference with three victories.
“Looking at the stats, lahat ng gusto kong mangyari, nangyari except sa turnover points,” Phoenix coach Louie Alas said. “Rebounding at sharing the basketball, maa-outwork natin sila kung maraming pasa at ma-rebound natin dahil sila ang number one rebounding team and we were able to do that.”
Wright sparked an 8-0 third-quarter run that enabled Phoenix to open a 65-56 lead that swelled to a high of 19 point.
Bobby Ray Parks had 25 points and seven rebounds while Alex Stepheson had 24 points and 18 rebounds for the Elite, who were able to trim the deficit to 100-98 with 11 seconds left.
Blackwater, however, committed a costly turnover in the inbounds play before Wright sealed the win with two free throws.
The scores:
Phoenix Pulse 103 – Wright 22, Dozier 18, Jazul 17, Perkins 16, Abueva 13, Mallari 8, Chua 7, Kramer 2, Revilla 0, Intal 0, Marcelo 0, Wilson 0.
Blackwater 98 – Parks 25, Stepheson 24, Belo 12, Sumang 10, Tratter 7, Al-Hussaini 6, Maliksi 6, DiGregorio 4, Cortez 2, Alolino 2, Salem 0.
Quarters: 15-17; 41-41; 80-71; 103-98.
