PBA: Phoenix stays hot, escapes NLEX for 5-0 start

Matthew Wright. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix held off an undermanned but pesky NLEX side, 83-82, and solidified its grip of the lead in 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Matthew Wright came through in the fourth minute of the payoff period to help the Fuel Masters regain control and erect a six-point lead going into the homestretch.

Calvin Abueva preserved Wright’s heroics with a game-saving block on Road Warriors’ Bong Galanza with a second left on the clock, which also helped keep Phoenix’s run in the all-Filipino contest unscathed for five games.

“I knew going into this game that it will be a tough match because they have four reliable big men,” head coach Louie Alas told the press.

“We’re at the phase that we’re going to begin to face the league’s elite teams,” Alas said. “We’ll begin with Rain or Shine this Sunday. Good thing, they’re going to play back-to-back games. They’re the hottest team after us.”

Wright finished the game with 17 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

Jason Perkins and Abueva both tallied double-double performances. Last season’s rookie of the year finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds while the latter had 13 and 11.

Galanza and Philip Paniamogan conspired for a short burst to keep Phoenix within striking range. They combined for 17 markers.

The last team that made a 5-0 start in the conference—the Beermen—were eventually crowned as champions.

“Oh my God,” Alas said with a chuckle in reaction to the trivia.

NLEX, who is nursing the loss of an injured Kevin Alas, slid to a 2-4 record.

The Road Warriors are going into a long break before taking on conference champion San Miguel on March 8, at the Big Dome.

The scores:

PHOENIX 83 – Wright 17, Perkins 14, Abueva 13, Mendoza 8, Jazul 8, Chua 6, Mallari 6, Revilla 3, Kramer 2, Marcelo 2, Napoles 2, Dennison 2, Gamboa 0.

NLEX 82 – Quinahan 14, Galanza 12, Erram 11, Fonacier 9, Baguio 9, Lao 8, Ighalo 6, Porter 6, Paniamogan 5, Taulava 2, Tiongson 0, Magat 0, Tallo 0.

Quarter scores: 24-12, 45-44, 67-70, 83-82.