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    Phoenix outlasts Alaska to prove it can win without Abueva

    Fuel Masters snap three-game losing streak to get first win in Abueva absence
    Jun 15, 2019
    PHOTO: jerome ascaƱo

    PHOENIX Pulse broke its slump on Saturday after beating Alaska, 78-76, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

    Justin Chua scored a lay-up with 9.8 seconds left to break the tie, as the Fuel Masters pulled off a stop late in the game after Kevin Racal missed a corner jumper in the final possession of the match.

    The Fuel Masters improved to 2-3 after the Petron Saturday Special match-up, breaking their three-game losing streak in their first win without suspended star Calvin Abueva.

    “After a three-game losing streak, we bounced back. I just hope we go back-to-back against Magnolia,” said Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas as the team goes up against the Hotshots on Saturday.

    Richard Howell had 24 points and 29 rebounds, while Alex Mallari led the locals after scoring 15 points including 3 of 3 from threes for the Fuel Masters.

    Chua scored 10 points and broke a 76-76 tie with a lay-up, after Alaska put the game in a deadlock after a perfect pass by Vic Manuel led to a Chris Banchero basket.

    Both teams had little separation from each other with and 8-3 run by the Fuel Masters that turned a 66-66 tie into a 74-69 lead as one of the biggest gaps in the match.

    Banchero had 18 points, while Manuel added 10 but new Alaska import Nino Johnson only had six points and four rebounds but still had four assists, five steals, and four blocks for the Aces.

    The scores:

    Phoenix Pulse 78 – Howell 24, Mallari 15, Wright 14, Chua 10, Intal 6, Revilla 6, Perkins 2, Jazul 1, Kramer 0, Marcelo 0, Dennison 0.

    Alaska 76 – Banchero 18, Manuel 10, Racal 8, Teng 6, Johnson 6, Cruz 6, Pascual 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Ayaay 2, Galliguez 0.

    Quarters: 16-12; 35-30; 52-50; 78-76.

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    PHOTO: jerome ascaƱo
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