MANILA – Phoenix Fuel Masters overhauled a 16-point deficit to turn back Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 103-97 in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Calvin Abueva and Eugene Phelps led the way with 18 points each, while Matthew Wright and LA Revilla added 17 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Fuel Masters, which moved up to fourth place with a 7-3 win-loss card.
In the second game, San Miguel Beermen squandered a lead as high as 19 points before coming up with clutch conversions to escape with a 114-107 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier.
Down by as much as 16 points early in the third period, the Fuel Masters went on a huge run behind Abueva, Phelps and Justin Chua to come to within 74-84 heading into the fourth.
The Painters were still on top 87-80 in the final frame when the Fuel Masters slowly clawed their way back and snatched the lead 93-90 on a triple by Rafael Jazul and an inside hit by Jason Perkins.
Rain or Shine managed to hang around 93-95 after a split free throw by Gabe Norwood but Phoenix sealed their victory with a triple from Revilla and a fast-break hit by Phelps.
Chris Tiu tallied career-high 24 points, with 17 coming in the first half, while James Yap added 14 markers for the shorthanded Painters (2-7). Their import Terrence Watson had another disappointing showing with just 4 points and seven rebounds.
In the following game, the Beermen saw their 19-point edge erased by a strong Batang Pier run before breaking a 97-all deadlock with an 8-0 scoring on back-to-back triples by Chris Ross and Kevin Murphy for a 105-97 edge.
The Batang Pier made their last push to come to within 105-107. The Beermen created distance anew with timely baskets from Christian Standhardinger and free throws from Murphy and Ross.
Murphy led the way with 27 points while Standhardinger added double-double 22 points and 21 rebounds for the Beermen (5-4). Sean Anthony had 24 markers for the Batang Pier (2-8)./PN
