Phoenix avoids meltdown, escapes slumping Ginebra
Phoenix Fuel Masters' Jeff Chan (left) drives past Barangay Ginebra's Paolo Taha in Friday night's PBA action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Phoenix won 87-82. | PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix held off Barangay Ginebra late in the fourth to extend the Gin Kings’ misery in the Philippine Cup, 87-82, in the nightcap of Friday’s PBA hostilities at the Big Dome.
FINAL: @phx_fuelmasters survive @barangayginebra, 87-82. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/TOp2d4JNEL
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) January 26, 2018
Leading by as many as 22 in the third period, the Fuel Masters suddenly saw their lead reduced to just three as the game entered its final moments.
But Jeff Chan and Willie Wilson, who were both instrumental in erecting a cushion midway the game, made sure the win wouldn’t slip from their hands. They scored 19 points each.
“'Yun yung mahirap sa team na dinedevelop mo pa yung winning habit. But we’re getting there,” head coach Louie Alas said of the near-meltdown.
"Good thing naka pundar kami ng malaking lamang. Yun nga masyado kaming nag ingat sa lamang."
Sharpshooter Matthew Wright, who was also part of that second quarter barrage, also poured 19 points.
Phoenix’s victory, as if mirroring the skirmish earlier that night, sent their foes to a losing skid.
READ: Painters bounce back, trip Road Warriors
The Fuel Masters are now 3-3 in the all-Filipino conference, while Gin Kings dropped to 2-3. The former take on the Alaska Aces next, while latter squad with the unbeaten San Miguel Beermen.
- Latest
- Trending
