MANILA – Phoenix Fuel Masters had a lot of gas to pump in its tank after draining San Miguel Beermen, 108-90, during the Phoenix Super Basketball Tourney at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig City yesterday.
Beyond-the-arc sharpshooter Matthew Wright anchored the huge second half outburst by the Fuel Masters as he finished the match with 19 points. They leveled their standings in the three-day pocket tournament at 1-1.
Despite missing the services of big men Elvin Jake Pascual and Dave Marcelo due to injuries, the Fuel Masters were still able to pull off the victory against the five-time Philippine Cup champions.
The Beermen, on the other hand, were also decimated with June Mar Fajardo out for the rest of the All-Filipino Conference due to a knee injury, while Marcio Lassiter is recovering from a broken nose.
Phoenix broke the game wide open in the third quarter and kept its foot on the gas all the way despite several attempts by San Miguel to keep the battle close.
The Fuel Masters are set to clash against the NLEX Road warriors next, while the Beermen will battle Alaska Aces in the final day of the tournament of Feb. 21./PN
