PHOENIX Super LPG kept its conference alive by fashioning out a comeback win, overcoming a 21-point deficit to beat Magnolia in Game Three, 103-85, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Falling short on Friday when they erased a 16-point deficit in Game Two, the Fuel Masters overcame an even bigger gap on Sunday, winning the contest after being down, 40-19, early in the second quarter.
Johnathan Williams and RJ Jazul led the decisive turnaround for Phoenix to finally claim the win in the semifinals and extend the series to Game Four to be played on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Williams had 11 points in the third quarter where Phoenix outscored Magnolia, 33-16, in that period.
A three by Jazul in the 3:52 mark of the third gave Phoenix the lead for good, 62-60. He also nailed three straight triples for an 85-71 lead early in the fourth.
The Hotshots failed to sweep the series despite a hot start. Things began to unravel for Magnolia when it saw a 49-29 lead drop to 51-38 at the half.
“Coming into the second half, we just told ourselves we are not having fun and we were too tight. We were just letting Magnolia do the things they want to do,” said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.
“We buckled down on defense, move the ball, and work as a unit both offensively and defensively. Eventually, we caught up and executed and made crucial baskets,” Jarin said.
Williams finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks, while Jazul had 17 points and shot 5-of-7 from three-point range.
Sean Manganti and Kenneth Tuffin had 14 points apiece, and Jason Perkins tallied 14 markers for the Fuel Masters, who also had a big fourth quarter where they made 34 points.
“The target was to get Game Three. We are not looking beyond Game Three. Now that Game Three is done, we are going to prepare for Game Four,” said Jarin, who also led the team to their 100th franchise win, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
Tyler Bey had 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Paul Lee had 17 points on 4-of-6 shooting from threes in the defeat.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 103 – Williams 19, Jazul 17, Manganti 14, Mocon 14, Tuffin 14, Perkins 13, Rivero 6, Tio 4, Verano 2, Muyang 0, Soyud 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0.
Magnolia 85 – Bey 18, Lee 17, Abueva 14, Sangalang 10, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 6, Reavis 4, Jalalon 4, Dela Rosa 2, Dionisio 2, Laput 1, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarters: 17-31; 38-51; 71-67; 103-85.
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