MONTALBAN – Phoenix went on a huge run to start the fourth period and later quelled a Magnolia comeback to take a 98-86 win Saturday night in the main game of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Fuel Masters outscored the Hotshots, 10-1, that allowed them to stretch an eight-point lead to an 89-72 edge. The Hotshots then trimmed the gap to nine before Tyler Tio buried a clutch 3 to make it a 95-83 contest entering the stretch run.
Debuting import BJ Johnson led the Fuel Masters with a double-double of 34 points including 15 in the second period, along with 10 rebounds.
The loss was a heartbreaker for Magnolia which led by as many as 16 in the first half.
“We played much better in the second half. We responded, we defended better. We’re not known as the best defensive team, but we found a way to win and get some stops,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu.
Jason Perkins topscored among the Phoenix locals with 23 points, while Tio added 11 including that dagger 3.
Big man Zavier Lucero led Magnolia with 20 points, while import KJ Buffen came through with 15 after going into early foul trouble.
“I think it helped that we got their import into foul trouble,” added Tiu. “But give credit to the guys. They woke up and played differently in the second half.”
The scores
Phoenix 98 - Johnson 34, Perkins 23, Tio 11, Tuffin 7, Balunggay 6, Santos 6, Rivero 6, Delos Santos 3, Chua 2, Cullar 0, Reavis 0.
Magnolia 86 - Lucero 20, Buffen 15, Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 13, Lee 8, Barroca 4, Alfaro 3, Andrada 3, Gomez De Liano J. 2, Koon 2, Jopia 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarters: 26-32:-49-53; 79-71; 98-86.
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