PBA: Phoenix rallies to torch Magnolia

Matthew Wright was all around for Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix came back from a mid tournament dearth and torched Magnolia, 91-84, to get its third win in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Angeles University Foundation.

The Fuel Masters, who lost two straight, had a nightmare of an offense in the first three quarters but came back alive in the fourth outscoring the Hotshots 31-13 in the final period.

Magnolia held a 62-45 lead midway through the third but Phoenix chipped away at the deficit slowly, and eventually getting to within nine at the end of the quarter before unleashing a heatwave in the fourth.

The Fuel Masters went 12-of-18 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the three-point line while limiting Magnolia to 5-of-22 shooting.

JC Intal drilled home a booming three to cap off a ridiculous 22-0 Phoenix run for the team’s 89-80 lead with 1:39 left.

“You could see from the timeouts that I just let them sit and get some air,” said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson. “These are matured young men who are willing to play and we gave them the freedom to innovate and try things.”

“They’re gonna hit those shots, and JC was awesome and he never gave up.”

Matthew Wright had his usual helping of offense with 23 points with seven rebounds and four assists while Jason Perkins had a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Chris Banchero put up 20 points to lead the Hotshots who dropped to their third straight loss and a 1-3 record.