Fuel Masters stretch run to 5

Abueva endgame gem halts NLEX

MANILA, Philippines — For the second time in the conference, Calvin Abueva won a game for Phoenix Pulse on an endgame heroic.

Abueva put up a double-double game that he capped with a block on Bong Galanza’s make-or-break long jumper in the dying seconds as the Fuel Masters preserved their perfect start in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup with a nail-biting 83-82 win over the NLEX Road Warriors last night at the MOA Arena.

Matthew Wright top scored with 17 points, including seven of their last nine points, while Jason Perkins had his own double-double game with 14 markers and 11 rebounds as the Fuel Masters stretched their hot streak to five games.

Abueva delivered the clincher, though, on his defensive gem at the finish that preserved his double-double numbers with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

In their season debut, the former San Sebastian hotshot lifted Phoenix past Meralco, 93-92, on a game-winning putback in the final second.

“He’s really a game-changer or can make a big difference for any team,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas of their trade acquisition from Alaska Milk.

Meanwhile, Petron Blaze road series swings over to Digos, Davao del Sur, with Barangay Ginebra featured in a third straight Saturday bill, looking to go above the .500 mark versus Blackwater at the Davao del Sur Coliseum.

The Kings (2-2) have snapped out of a two-game skid, and they seek a second straight win to improve their record in the upper half of the team standings.

In the nightcap, Rain or Shine stood its ground in a fierce shootout with NorthPort and pulled off a 107-100 win to stay right behind Phoenix Pulse at second place with a 5-1 card.

James Yap sizzled with six three-pointers and a total of 19 points and the E-Painters fired 16 treys in all as against the NorthPort Batang Pier’s 15 in an explosive match.

The scores: 

First Game

PHOENIX 83 – Wright 17, Perkins 14, Abueva 13, Mendoza 8, Jazul 8, Chua 6, Mallari 6, Revilla 3, Kramer 2, Marcelo 2, Napoles 2, Dennison 2, Gamboa 0.

NLEX 82 – Quinahan 14, Galanza 12, Erram 11, Fonacier 9, Baguio 9, Lao 8, Ighalo 6, Porter 6, Paniamogan 5, Taulava 2, Tiongson 0, Magat 0, Tallo 0. 

Quarterscores: 24-12, 45-44, 67-70, 83-82

Second Game

Rain or Shine 107 – Yap 19, Belga 19, Torres 16, Almazan 14, Ahanmisi 11, Nambatac 11, Borboran 6, Norwood 4, Daquioag 3, Rosales 2, Mocon 2, Ponferada 0.

NorthPort 100 – Pringle 34, Anthony 22, Tautuaa 16, Bolick 9, Lanete 7, Guinto 6, Gabayni 4, Grey 2, Elorde 0, Sollano 0, Taha 0, Arana 0.

Quarterscores: 28-25, 53-59, 79-89, 107-100