MANILA, Philippines – The Phoenix Fuelmasters notched their second straight win at the expense of a hapless Mahindra Floodbuster side, 114-104, in Sunday night's PBA action at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fuelmasters, who were coming from a statement win over the defending conference champions San Miguel Beermen, let the Mahindra enjoy a close game in the first six minutes of the game.
But as soon as Matthew Wright and JC Intal hit a scoring groove, the Fuelmasters started pulling away -- and never looked back. They led by as much as 30 in the game.
Intal paced the Fuel Masters with 24 points. Wright added 21 markerd while Simon Enciso chimed in 12.
But head coach Ariel Vanguardia, who spoke to reporters shortly after the game, was appalled by how his squad let such a wide lead get trimmed down.
.@phx_fuelmasters' Vanguardia: I wasn't happy with the way we ended the game. PHX let Mahindra mount a 21-0 run late in the game. #PBA2017 pic.twitter.com/aSxCfXd68B
— Philstar Sports Hub (@StarSportsHub) December 4, 2016
Mahindra mounted a 21-0 run in the payoff period to threaten the now 2-1 Fuel Masters.
This is the second straight session where Intal topscored his team despite coming of the bench.
The Manny Pacquoiao-coached expansion squad drops to 0-3 in the Philippine Cup.
The scores:
PHOENIX 114 - Intal 24, Wright 21, Enciso 12, Caperal 12, Baguio 10, Alolino 10, Torres 8, Lanete 7, Borboran 4, W.Wilson 3, Miranda 2, Javillonar 1, J.Wilson 0, Hayes 0.
MAHINDRA 104 - Mallari 19, Paniamogan 15, Arana 12, Eriobu 12, Yee 11, Apinan 10, Celda 10, Nimes 6, Guevarra 5, Escoto 2, Revilla 2, Ballesteros 0, Deutchman 0, Salva 0.
Quarterscores: 32-23, 60-43, 95-68, 114-104