By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
THE Phoenix Fuel Masters were victorious in their Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup debut yesterday, defeating the Columbian Dyip, 113-107, in the curtain-raiser at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Had it slow to start the contest, Phoenix did not vacate the driver’s seat once it got in the swing of things on its way to booking its first victory in the season-ending PBA tournament.
Columbian got going early, racing to a 9-6 lead in the opening four minutes of the first quarter only to sputter thereafter, outscored by Phoenix, 25-8, and be buried, 31-17, after the first canto.
The Dyip tried to regain some ground to start the second quarter with Eric Camson and RaShawn McCarthy leading their team.
But import Eugene Phelps and the Fuel Masters would not relinquish control, keeping their opponents at bay en route to a 56-42 advantage by the halftime break.
Led by guard Jerramy King, Columbian went on another fast start to begin the third frame, outscoring Phoenix, 19-8, to come within three points, 64-61, at the 7:06 mark.
The two teams went back and forth after, fighting to a level count of 73-all with four minutes remaining.
Five straight points thereafter from Mr. Phelps would give Phoenix more elbow room, 78-73.
It was a leverage the Fuel Masters used to carry an 84-79 lead heading into the final frame.
Sensing it got some momentum going, Phoenix came out firing in the fourth, speeding to 92-81 lead in the first three minutes.
But the Dyip continued to battle, trimming their deficit to three points, 102-99, with 4:21 to go.
The score stood at 109-107, and Phoenix on top, with 1:09 remaining on the clock.
Columbian had its chances to tie or take the lead but could not capitalize on them.
A split on the charity stripe by newly acquired Calvin Abueva gave Phoenix a 110-107 lead with 24 ticks to go.
Off a time out, Columbian set up a play but instead was forced into committing a passing error.
Free throws by Phoenix, care of Matthew Wright and Mr. Abueva, gave them more breathing space on their way to preserving the win.
Mr. Phelps had a game-high 50 points to go along with 17 rebounds and eight blocks.
Mr. Abueva had 12 points, 13 rebounds and five assists on his Phoenix debut.
Mr. King, meanwhile, led Columbian with 27 points while import Akeem Wright had 25 points and 14 rebounds.
“Happy with the win. But obviously we are not yet there defensively as we allowed them to score a lot in the third quarter. Good thing Phelps had a great game and so did Calvin,” Phoenix coach Louie Alas said after their win.
With the loss, Columbian dropped to 0-2.