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Eugene Phelps came up with the most impressive debut by an import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup thus far, a 53-point, 21-rebound performance that gave Phoenix Petroleum a decent start to the tournament on Saturday.
Phelps was lethal as in his first stint on local soil last season as the Fuel Masters rode on his heroics in the game that almost didn’t want to see an end, a 118-116 double overtime win over shorthanded Blackwater at Cuneta Astrodome.
“Both teams deserved to win tonight,” Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia said. “We just had a little more.”
Alaska got its bid off to a rip-roaring start also behind a potentially great import in Cory Jefferson as the Aces tore GlobalPort apart, 107-79, in the nightcap.
Jefferson, who arrived only two days ago, scored 28 points and had 14 rebounds in just over 27 minutes.
Returning earlier than scheduled after original import choice Jarrid Famous wasn’t released by GlobalPort, Phelps is the shortest among all reinforcements at under 6-foot-5 in the tournament that allows 6-foot-10 imports.
“We all know what Eugene can give us,” Vanguardia said.
Blackwater also paraded a gem in Greg Smith, who poured in 37 points that went with 30 rebounds. He wound up scoreless though in the second OT.
Rookie Mac Belo scored 21 points for the Elite, who sorely missed the services of sophomore Art dela Cruz after the 6-3 forward injured his Achilles tendon while practicing with Gilas Pilipinas in Tagaytay.