PHOENIX Super LPG continued to roll, defeating NorthPort, 113-104, on Wednesday in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Johnathan Williams had a near triple double, playing a key role in a blistering finishing kick that extended the Fuel Masters' winning streak to six games.
The hottest team in the league improved to 7-1, gaining a provisional share of the league lead pending the result of the Magnolia-Terrafirma contest later in the night.
The six-game winning streak is the best in franchise history.
Williams finished with 38 points, 19 rebounds, and nine assists. He helped the Fuel Masters pull away from a 95-95 tie, scoring seven in a 18-9 finish.
Kenneth Tuffin also contributed with 15 points while Tyler Tio added 14 points as Phoenix won without Jason Perkins, who sat out due to an illness.
Jason Perkins out for Phoenix
“Obviously, we missed him,” said Phoenix assistant coach Jon Jacinto, referring to Perkins. “But the players stepped up. We weren’t on the same page in the beginning but we played defense in the second half. We really felt the absence of Jason but everyone stepped up.”
Phoenix will now try to extend its winning streak against San Miguel in a Christmas Day game.
NorthPort has now lost two in a row and dropped to 5-4, enabling San Miguel to climb to fourth place in the team standings.
Venky Jois had 27 points and 15 rebounds but visibly played hurt in some parts of the game, while Arvin Tolentino chipped in 19 points for the Batang Pier.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 113 – Williams 38, Tuffin 15, Tio 14, Muyang 10, Mocon 8, Rivero 8, Alejandro 6, Jazul 6, Garcia 4, Verano 3, Manganti 1, Lalata 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
NorthPort 104 – Jois 27, Tolentino 19, Munzon 13, Flores 12, Calma 11, Zamar 7, Bulanadi 6, Chan 3, Amores 3, Paraiso 2, Caperal 1, Yu 0, Rosales 0, Adamos 0.
Quarters: 26-28; 56-60; 87-89; 113-104.
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