Matthew Wright against Blackwater defenders. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix Fuel banked on its cohesion and experience to subdue red-hot Blackwater, 103-98, and open its 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on a good note Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Fuel Masters leaned on the marksmanship of Matthew Wright, who scored a team-best 22 points, and the anchorage of former Best Import Rob Dozier, who tossed in 18 more to go with 16 rebounds, to slip past the hard-fighting Elite.
“I was looking at the stat sheet and we nearly did everything we had hoped to do,” coach Louie Alas said.
The young Blackwater squad kept Phoenix within striking range for the first two quarters until its equally young mentor Aris Dimaunahan was ejected for flagrant misconduct.
Reinforcement Alex Stepheson had another double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds as Ray Parks Jr. and Mac Belo reprised their double-digit production, finishing 25 and 12, respectively, but their combined efforts weren’t enough to help the Elite complete a rally.
“I expected it,” Alas said when asked about the Blackwater’s bid for a comeback down the stretch. “They’re not 3-0 for nothing. They worked for it. They’re deep. They have three marquee players for nearly every position.”
“I’m just grateful we’re able to pull through our first test,” he added.
Phoenix, which is coming off a franchise-first semifinal finish last all-Filipino tourney, handed Blackwater’s first loss in four games.
Alas and his charges face TNT KaTropa next this Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Blackwater, meanwhile, will take on another semifinalist in Rain or Shine on the same playdate.