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[av_heading heading=’Phoenix deals NLEX first loss in PH Cup ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Phoenix Fuel Masters cruised to its second straight victory in the PBA Philippine Cup at the expense of NLEX Road Warriors 102-95 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Matthew Wright led the charge with 19 points, including four triples, while Jeffrei Chan, RJ Jazul and Jason Perkins added 18, 15 and 14 points, respectively, for Fuel Masters (2-1) to deal NLEX (2-1) its first loss.
Down by as much as 9-19 following back-to-back treys by Road Warriors’ Juan Miguel Tiongson, Fuel Masters responded with inside hits from Chua and Jason Perkins to come to within 19-25.
Fuel Masters continued its run in the second frame to snatch a 44-37 lead behind Chan. Road Warriors responded with a rally from JR Quinahan and Alfonso Gotladera for a 53-52 edge before Fuel Masters surged with a Chua tip-in at the half.
Phoenix went on a strong start in the third on hits by Chan and Wright to build a 13-point advantage. NLEX trimmed the deficit to single digits but inside hits by Perkins raised Fuel Masters’ lead to its largest 90-73.
Road Warriors went on huge run in the final quarter to come to within 88-92 but Fuel Masters countered with baskets from Wright, Jazul and Perkins to lead again 100-92 with under two minutes in the game.
“Major concern ko talaga heading into this game is iyong mga guards ng NLEX, kung paano i-contain, limit transition and fast-break points nila,” said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas. “Iyon talaga ang pinaghandaan namin.”
Larry Fonacier led NLEX with 22 points while Tiongson added 12 markers./PN
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