MANILA, Philippines -- James Dickey III filled up the statsheet and towed the Phoenix Fuel Masters to a huge win over the Blackwater Bossing, 125-108, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
Dickey showed out in the victory that snapped Phoenix’s two-game losing streak.
He finished with 27 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, to go with 26 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks.
“I loved his energy today. His motor was great. He rested yesterday, he was a bit sore, and just wanted to make sure he was fresh today. But I give him all the credit,” Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu said.
“He was solid, protecting the baskets, pushing the pace for us, setting up guys for a lot of open looks with all his handoffs. So he's pretty good. I'm happy, very happy with the way he played.”
Free throws by Dickey gave Phoenix an 11-point advantage, 67-56, at the half.
Nine straight points by the Fuel Masters gave them a 20-point edge, 76-56, early on in the third, and the separation was protected by Phoenix to the final buzzer
The Fuel Masters' lead grew to as much as 28 points, 116-88, after a layup by Dickey.
The nearest Blackwater got to was the 17 point-spread at the end of the game.
The import led five Fuel Masters in double figures, as Jason Perkins and Ken Tuffin also produced 25 and 20 markers, respectively. Tyler Tio and Ricci Rivero chipped in 14 and 13 points in the victory that pushed Phoenix to a 4-3 win-loss record.
Robert Upshaw III carried the load for Blackwater with 36 points and nine rebounds. Sedrick Barefield had 26 points in the first half, but finished with 27 at the final buzzer.
Paul Zamar added 14 points in the loss for the Bossing, who dropped their fourth straight defeat in the conference. The team is now holding a 1-6 slate.