Phoenix import Paul Harris. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix rose back from 17 points down and edged Terrafirma, 103-100, in its first game in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena.
The Fuel Masters were down 67-50 midway through the third but slowly cut the deficit and eventually took a 96-94 lead with 3:41 remaining in the fourth off of RJ Jazul’s three-pointer.
Chris Banchero then drove for a layup to give Phoenix a 100-94 cushion with 2:14 to play completing a 23-4 run.
Jason Perkins goes glass!
Phoenix now ahead, 98-94 with 2:33 to go. #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/goOBTsPgHt
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 9, 2021
“We kept on playing, we don’t want to give up, and I told them we’ll keep playing and take our chances,” said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson.
Though Phoenix ultimately held a buffer, it wasn’t an assured lead as the Dyip got to within two, 102-100, after Alex Cabagnot’s layup with seven seconds left.
Cabagnot, however, botched Terrafirma’s comeback attempt after he mishandled Antonio Hester’s pass with 3.3 seconds to play.
Paul Harris led Phoenix with 24 points and 15 rebounds while Matthew Wright had his own double-double of 17 points and 10 assists to go along six rebounds and two steals.
Jason Perkins added 18 points and eight boards while Chris Banchero had a similar line of 18 points and six assists.
Hester finished with 28 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block for the Dyip while Juami Tiongson added 20 points.