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By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Saturday, May 6, 2017
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MANILA – The Phoenix Fuel Masters recovered from a double-digit deficit to score an 84-72 win over the GlobaPort Batang Pier in the 2017 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Reinforcement Jameel McKay led the way with double-double 22 points and 20 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, which boosted its quarterfinals hopes after improving to a 4-5 win-loss mark.
RJ Jazul added 20 markers, while Cyrus Baguio, Chico Lanete and rookie Joseph Eriobu combined 20 points for the Fuel Masters, which recovered from an 81-66 loss to the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night.
Down by as much as 15 points, 31-16, early in the second period, the Fuel Masters started its run in the period behind consecutive points by Eriobu to come to within 37-31 on a basket by Jazul.
The Batang Pier, however, was able to bring up the lead to 50-38 on a triple by Mike Cortez. But the Fuel Masters went on a 15-3 scoring run behind McKay and Jazul to snatch the lead at 57-55 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Fuel Masters continued its run in the fourth behind three-pointers McKay and Jazul to build its largest lead of the match at 82-69 on free throws by Mark Borboran and Baguio.
“We gotta find a way to win our next two matches (against NLEX and Mahindra). That will spell our chances in the quarterfinals round,” said Fuel Masters head coach Ariel Vanguardia.
Stanley Pringle finished with 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while import Malcolm White added 16 markers for the Batang Pier (2-6), which sit out Terrence Romeo in preparation for Gilas Pilipinas’ conquest in the SEABA Cup./PN
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