MANILA — Ricci Rivero delivered a career-defining explosion, firing 40 points to power Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters to a commanding 133-105 demolition of Terrafirma Dyip, while San Miguel Beermen leaned on late-game poise to escape with a 103-99 win over Converge FiberXers in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night.
Rivero turned in an all-around masterpiece, adding eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals as Phoenix surged to a 3-1 record behind one of the most dominant individual performances of the conference.
Francis Escandor provided strong support with a career-high 20 points, while James Dickey III and Evan Nelle chipped in 14 markers apiece, and Prince Caperal added 11 as the Fuel Masters overwhelmed the Dyip on both ends.
Phoenix established control early, edging Terrafirma 25-23 after the first quarter before pulling away in the second period to build a 56-46 halftime advantage.
The Fuel Masters then buried the Dyip with a decisive third-quarter assault, unleashing a 40-27 scoring surge that stretched the lead to as much as 32 points and effectively sealed the outcome.
Jerrick Ahanmisi paced Terrafirma with 34 points, while Ali Mubashar posted a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double as the Dyip absorbed their first loss to fall to 3-1.
In the nightcap, San Miguel leaned on composure in crunch time to outlast Converge in a tight finish.
Locked at 99-all, Celedonio Trollano calmly knocked down two free throws to give the Beermen a 101-99 edge with 27 seconds left.
Following a missed three-pointer by Converge’s Alec Stockton, June Mar Fajardo sealed the win with an inside conversion with 2.2 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 103-99.
Fajardo anchored San Miguel with a dominant double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds, along with three assists and two steals, earning Player of the Game honors as the Beermen evened their record at 1-1. The FiberXers dropped to 1-3./PN
