Phoenix douses San Miguel streak, clinches playoff berth

RJ Jazul catches fire for Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix clinched the third playoff spot after halting defending champion San Miguel, 110-103, in a record-setting game Thursday at Angeles University Foundation.

The Fuel Masters improved to a 6-3 record and in the process stopped the Beermen’s four-game winning streak.

Phoenix waxed hot from deep and poured in a franchise record 22 three-pointers out of 53 attempts, which was also the highest number of takes for the franchise.

But it was RJ Jazul who went nuclear, throwing the Fuel Masters’ biggest haymakers down the stretch and hitting four crucial three-pointers in the final four minutes to give his team a 105-97 lead with 1:51 to play.

Just for good measure, Jazul made his career-high ninth three for Phoenix’s 110-101 lead with 14 seconds left.

“I love how guys are stepping up,” said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson. “RJ finally took over because Matt [Wright] and Calvin [Abueva] were guarded so it’s nice to have those guys step up in these types of games.”

Jazul finished with 33 points, on 9-of-16 shooting from deep, while Jason Perkins added 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Moala Tautuaa had 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists to lead the 5-3 Beermen while Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter had 20 points apiece.