FIVE games into the conference, Phoenix Super LPG finally broke into the win-column, interestingly at the expense of the previously unbeaten NorthPort squad.
Jason Perkins carried the cudgels in the first half, Donovan Smith took over in the third period and RJ Jazul knocked in big shots in the fourth as the Fuel Masters drubbed the Batang Pier, 115-109, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Tuesday.
The Batang Pier suffered their first loss after tying the franchise's best start (5-0) in a conference.
"Nanalo rin," said coach Jamike Jarin while entering the press room for the post-game interview.
"This is big, anything when you're 0-4 as you really need to climb back," said Jarin when he's settled on his seat, adding: "We'll continue to work hard. One step at a time, but the most important now is the next game, Converge on Thursday."
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Smith poured in 26 of his 32 points in the final half while Jazul scored eight of his 14 in the final quarter, finishing the job started by Perkins who scattered 22 in the first three periods.
"In our last games, medyo maayos naman sa simula nawawala lang sa endgame. After four games, we learned our lessons," said Jazul who had a big trey dousing the NorthPort threat at endgame.
"I'd like to commend all the players, they deserved this, especially the veterans and this guy beside me (Jazul) for keeping the team intact," said Jarin of his chargers who didn't lose hope despite their poor start in the midseason tourney.
True enough, Jazul was a big key as he hit his stride, surpassing his total in their first four games with his 14-point output against NorthPort highlighted by 3-of-6 clip from beyond the arc.
Perkins provided the early spark as he poured in 14 in the first half, leading the Fuel Masters to a 14-point spread at 52-38.
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With Smith, Jazul and Ken Tuffin also coming through in the second half, the Fuel Masters stayed in control although the Batang Pier kept on mounting a rally.
Threatened the last time at 97-93, Phoenix went to Raul Soyud, Smith and Jazul for last salvo carrying the team to the win.(SB)
The scores:
Phoenix 115 - Smith 32, Perkins 24, Tuffin 15, Jazul 14, Manganti 9, Soyud 7, Tio 5, Salado 4, Rivero 3, Verano 2, Daves 0, Ular 0, Alejandro 0, Garcia 0.
NorthPort 109 - Jack 28, Tolentino 23, Munzon 18, Nelle 15, Onwubere 11, Bulanadi 7, Navarro 3, Flores 2, Miranda 2, Yu 0, Cuntapay 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 54-45, 84-76, 115-109
