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Phoenix had to find itself down early before getting its bearings on the right track late, clipping GlobalPort, 84-72, Friday in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jameel McKay and RJ Jazul shook off their poor showing in the Fuel Masters’ last game and served as the catalysts in overturning a 53-43 deficit in the third quarter to a 67-58 lead in the fourth period to stun the Batang Pier in the second half.
“We had an ugly halftime,” said coach Ariel Vanguardia as Phoenix clawed its way from a 15-point deficit. “I was really pissed on how we played individual basketball. I told them to show some pride and play because they’re just letting GlobalPort do whatever they want. Good thing is players like Chico (Lanete) sparked our run and RJ stepped up big time.”
McKay blazed the trail with 22 points and 20 rebounds, while Jazul had 21 markers and four boards to usher Phoenix to its fourth win in nine games.
Vanguardia also drew huge contributions from the likes of Cyrus Baguio (eight points, three assists, and two rebounds), Joseph Eriobu (six points and two rebounds), and Chico Lanete (six points) to aid the team’s comeback in the middle quarters.
Stanley Pringle topped GlobalPort (2-6) with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Malcolm White had 16 markers and eight boards in the loss. /atm
The Scores:
PHOENIX 84 – McKay 22, Jazul 21, Baguio 8, Lanete 6, Eriobu 6, Torres 5, Borboran 4, Alolino 4, Dehesa 4, Kramer 2, W. Wilson 2, Intal 0, J. Wilson 0.
GLOBALPORT 72 – Pringle 25, White 16, Cortez 12, Aban 7, Quinahan 4, Forrester 3, Pessumal 3, Mamaril 2, Maierhofer 0, Ababou 0, Urbiztondo 0.
Quarters: 14-28, 27-36, 57-55, 84-72.