PHOENIX further extended Alaska’s miseries.
Import Eugene Phelps drove hard to the basket and scored the game winner at the buzzer, 95-93, as the Fuel Masters dealt the Aces yet another blow in the PBA Governors Cup Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Phelps’ heroics came just after Chris Banchero scored on a startling one-hander, off-balance shot to tie the game for the last time, 93-all, setting up the down-the-wire finish.
The prolific import was quickly mobbed by his teammates just after he made the basket while proudly showing off with both hands his Fuel Masters jersey to the delirious Phoenix crowd.
“It was like a playoff game,” quipped Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia following the Fuel Masters’ second straight win in four days that tied them for the early lead with surprising NLEX Road Warriors.
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This marked the first time Phoenix has a 2-0 start in its young franchise.
The same can’t be said about Alaska. The Aces fell to an 0-2 record to share the bottom with KIA Picanto, although their losing streak dates from as far back as April 2 or a losing stretch of 10 games.
Despite flu-stricken, Phelps exploded for 29 points and 14 rebounds.
RJ Jazul also struck a dagger right on the heart of Alaska, his former team, after nailing a clutch three-pointer off a pick by Phelps, to put Phoenix back on top, 93-91, with 29 seconds to go.
The former Letran guard, dealt to Phoenix for young playmaker Simon Enciso, finished with 15 points including 4 of 5 from downtown, five rebounds, and five assists.
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Rookie Joseph Eriobu came up with a double-double for Phoenix with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while John Wilson added 13.
“We give credit to Alaska,” he added. “They really make us play better.”
The Aces did.
Staring at an 86-76 deficit entering the homestretch, the Aces got their acts together and pulled off a 13-2 run to take the upperhand, 89-88, on a jumper from the foul line by Noy Baclao with 1:09 left.
JC Intal countered with a beautiful reverse at the other end, before La Donate Henton answered for Alaska with a tip to give the team its last taste of the lead, 91-90.
Henton led the Aces with 30 points and 10 boards, while Enciso torched his former team for 17 points including five three-pointers. (JR)
