PHOENIX Super LPG overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat Blackwater, 100-95, on Monday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
Jason Perkins, Calvin Abueva, and Matthew Wright led the Fuel Masters comeback after a lackadaisical start to extend their winning streak to three games.
With the win, Phoenix improved its record to 7-3, joining Barangay Ginebra and TNT in first place in the team standings as of this writing to close in on twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Blackwater slipped to its seventh straight defeat, dropping to 2-8.
The Fuel Masters regained their form just in time after giving up the first eight points of the game that brought hope to the also-ran Elite, which were in the lead in each of the first three quarters of the match.
“We talked about accountability,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson. “Accountability is everybody’s responsibility. We have to keep our culture from who we are and what we stand for. They just kept on talking and talking and communicating and finding ways to win because they know that they are accountable to what we are trying to build here.”
Perkins had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Abueva nearly had another triple-double as he finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Wright also had an all-around game, adding 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Trailing 50-34 at the start of the third, Phoenix chipped away at the deficit and was only trailing by three, 70-67, entering the final period.
Abueva and Wright scored in a 10-0 run that put Phoenix ahead, 81-79, and the Fuel Masters also got reinforcements starting with Justin Chua, who also converted a three in a 6-0 blast that gave the Fuel Masters an 89-82 lead.
Chua made his presence felt all over the court, chalking up 11 rebounds while also setting the tone on defense with five blocks, a few of which coming in the fourth period.
Justin Chua grabs one of his 11 rebounds.
Brian Heruela was also key for the Fuel Masters with 15 points and seven rebounds to go along with his 4 of 6 output from threes.
KG Canaleta finished with 21 points for Blackwater and led a 10-0 charge that allowed the Elite to grab a 40-27 lead, but they collapsed in the endgame.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 100 – Perkins 18, Abueva 17, Wright 17, Heruela 15, Garcia 9, Jazul 9, Chua 7, Intal 6, Marcelo 2, Mallari 0, Rios 0.
Blackwater 95 – Canaleta 21, Belo 17, Trollano 13, Escoto 11, Tolomia 9, Sumang 8, Magat 8, Gabriel 4, Dario 2, Daquioag 2, Golla 0, Salem 0, Dennison 0.
Quarters: 15-21; 45-34; 67-70; 100-95.
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