PHOENIX Pulse sent NorthPort crashing back to earth with a 97-87 victory on Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Matthew Wright rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter and finished with 28 points as the Fuel Masters improved to 3-4 (win-loss) while ending the Batang Pier’s winning run at four games.
The Batang Pier fell to 7-2 and dropped to second place behind TNT's league-best 7-1 record.
Richard Howell added 18 points and 15 rebounds while RJ Jazul chipped in 17 points and six rebounds for the Fuel Masters, who outrebounded NorthPort, 56-46.
“At least, we beat them doon sa rebound battle. That was the least na na-rebound ng NorthPort. Nagiging consistent na uli kami sa strength namin which is rebounding,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas.
“When we look at the stats of NorthPort, one of their main strengths is rebounding. Ang dami nilang second-chance points. ‘Yung fastbreak points nila, hindi namin na-stop [totally] but we were able to contain it. And that’s the game,” Alas said.
Wright, stepping up with Phoenix still without the suspended Calvin Abueva, hit a capped a 15-2 run with a three-pointer to give the Fuel Masters their biggest lead in the game at 81-66.
The Batang Pier converted five straight points to cut the deficit to three points, 84-81, but Alex Mallari and Jason Perkins scored back-to-back baskets to bring the lead back to seven points.
Mo Tautuaa led NorthPort with 19 points and six rebounds while Kevin Ferrer added 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the Batang Pier's first loss in the post-Stanley Pringle era.
The scores:
Phoenix Pulse 97 – Wright 28, Howell 18, Jazul 17, Perkins 12, Mallari 11, Chua 6, Intal 3, Napoles 2, Kramer 0, Marcelo 0, Dennison 0, Wilson 0.
NorthPort 87 – Tautuaa 19, Ferrer 18, Anthony 16, Ibeh 12, Bolick 11, Taha 6, Lanete 3, Cruz 2, Mercado 0, Arana 0.
Quarters: 19-28; 43-39; 64-61; 97-87.
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