The Phoenix Fuel Masters picked up their third straight victory at the expense of Magnolia, 95-82, in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters seized control in the fourth period on their way to claiming a 5-1 record -- good for second place in the standings -- while dealing Magnolia its first loss in three matches.
Explosive as ever, Eugene Phelps led Phoenix's attack with 36 points and 20 rebounds.
Matthew Wright and Justin Chua chimed in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
After a tight first three quarters, the Fuel Masters got it going in the final period and took a 10-point lead on Calvin Abueva's shot from the free throw line with under six minutes to go.
Phoenix kept its foes at bay from there, with Phelps providing the highlight in another explosive outing with a two-handed throwdown with 3:33 remaining, 87-75.
Magnolia simply could not make any headway after that as the Hotshots committed one turnover after another leading to their downfall.
"Finally we beat Magnolia. For me they are one of the best teams in terms of defense and we were able to limit their offensive guys in the third quarter," said Phoenix coach Louie Alas.
Indeed, Phoenix's defense showed its teeth in the second half. Magnolia import Romeo Travis struggled offensively in the fourth period, dropping only six of his 28 points.
Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, and Jio Jalalon added 11 points each for the Hotshots.
THE SCORES
Phoenix 95 - Phelps 36, Wright 13, Chua 12, Abueva 9, Revilla 9, Jazul 9, Perkins 7, Intal 0, Wilson 0.
Magnolia 82 - Travis 28, Barroca 11, Sangalang 11, Jalalon 11, Lee 8, Ramos 6, Dela Rosa 3, Melton 2, Gamalinda 2, Pascual 0, Reavis 0, Brondial 0, Herndon 0.
Quarterscores: 30-19, 48-48, 71-67, 95-82.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
- Filipino medalists in the recently-concluded Asian Games watched the game from the sidelines of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. They received their incentives from the Philippine Olympic Committee in a brief ceremony after the match.
- Matthew Wright was 0-of-4 from the three-point area.
NEXT GAMES
Phoenix - vs Ginebra on September 29 in Cagayan de Oro
Magnolia - vs Rain or Shine on September 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum