Phoenix decimates GlobalPort, stays in hunt for playoff spot

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Petroleum sizzled with the most explosive game by any team in the league in last five conferences as the Fuel Masters walloped the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 135-108, to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Eugene Phelps erupted for 37 points and completed a triple-double game with 23 rebounds and 10 assists while Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins made 24 and 13 points, respectively, to lead a strong local support as the Fuel Masters snapped a four-game losing skein and thus stayed alive with a 4-6 win-loss card.

“It’s a breakout game for us where we started strong and managed to keep the lead to the finish,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas.

“We’d had a number of games where we started like a house on fire only to fizzle out in the final half. Hopefully, this is the start of something big for us. Hopefully, we start to grow,” Alas also said.

Phelps and his teammates converted 48-of-87 field-goal attempts in making the biggest output in the league since TNT KaTropa blasted Phoenix, 136-124 in the 2016 Governors Cup.

The Fuel Masters frolicked with 41 points in the opening quarter then put in 29 in the second, 37 in the third and 28 in the final canto in a torrid shooting that ripped GlobalPort apart and sent the Batang Pier reeling to fifth loss against four wins.

With the outcome of the game beyond recall in the third, GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio opted to sit down import Malcolm White in the last 15 minutes of the game.

“It helped us keep the big lead. Most probably, they just saved Malcolm White’s energy as they’re playing back-to-back games,” said Alas.

GlobalPort tangles with Columbian Dyip tomorrow at the same venue before ending its elims stint versus Barangay Ginebra on July 6.         

Meanwhile, Phoenix takes a 15-day break before closing out its own elims campaign versus Alaska Milk also on July 6.         

In a departure from their previous games, the Fuel Masters sustained a brilliant game throughout and thus nailed a crucial victory.

“Usually, we folded up in the third quarter. In our last two games, we gave up 30 points to San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine. In this game, we gave up only 26. Less than 20 is very good; 26 is good enough,” said Alas.        

Phelps was Phoenix’s steady anchor on all four quarters, making 13 in the first and eight in each of the next three periods.

An assist to RJ Jazul in the last 1:50 mark completed Phelps’ triple-double game, and a warm applause greeted the do-it-all Phoenix import as he was finally rested by their coach with 50 seconds to go.        

The scores: 

Phoenix 135 - Phelps 37, Wright 24, Perkins 13, Jazul 11, Revilla 9, Intal 9, Gamboa 9, Kramer 6, Wilson 6, Dehesa 4, Guevarra 3, Chua 2, Mendoza 2, Eriobu 0. 

GlobalPort 108 - White 24, Anthony 15, Pringle 14, Javelona 10, Pringle 9, Grey 9, Elorde 9, Guinto 8, Arana 7, Tautuaa 6, Gabayni 2, Flores 2, Nabong 1, Bulawan 0. 

Quarters:  41-22, 70-51, 107-77, 135-108