The Phoenix Fuel Masters escaped with a 103-98 win over the Blackwater Elite in their PBA Commissioner's Cup opener on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Fuel Masters led by as many as 19 points but had to hold on for their first victory, while dealing the first loss of the streaking Blackwater, which had gotten off to a 3-0 start in the mid-season conference.
Mac Belo, who got it going late and scored four points inside the final minute for Blackwater, was supposed to receive the ball baseline on an inbound play, but a bump from teammate Allein Maliksi led to a costly turnover.
Matthew Wright hit the pair of charities in the ensuing play as the Fuel Masters secured the win.
Wright led the team with 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while returning import Rob Dozier finished with 18 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks.
"Good thing we made it past our first test," said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas.
Alas was the least surprised when the Elite clawed back from 19 points down to make it a toe-to-toe contest in the homestretch.
Upon checking in with less than five minutes remaining, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., led the late-game uprising by scoring five straight points followed by a triple by Belo.
"We expected that. They are a strong team. Their lineup is deep," said Alas.
Blackwater's roster is so deep four players finished in double figures while six finished with at least six points.
Parks paced the Elite with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
THE SCORES
Phoenix 103 - Wright 22, Dozier 18, Jazul 17, Perkins 16, Abueva 13, Mallari 8, Chua 7, Kramer 2, Revilla 0, Intal 0, Marcelo 0, Wilson 0.
Blackwater 98 - Parks 25, Stepheson 24, Belo 12, Sumang 10, Tratter 7, Maliksi 6, Al-Hussaini 6, Digregorio 4, Cortez 2, Alolino 2, Salem 0.
Quarterscores: 15-17, 41-41, 80-71, 103-98.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
Dozier, a former Best Import, played for Alaska in 2013 and led the team to the Commissioner's Cup title.
Blackwater head coach Aris Dimaunahan was ejected after being whistled for a flagrant misconduct.
NEXT GAME
Phoenix vs. TNT KaTropa on June 2 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine on June 2 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.