Phoenix rookie Tyler Tio. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Rookie Tyler Tio came up with the best game of his young pro career and Phoenix spoiled the official debut of NLEX’s new coach Frankie Lim and took a 111-97 win on Saturday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The second round pick of this year’s Rookie Draft delivered 18 of his 26 points in the second half as the Fuel Masters pulled away after a seesaw battle through three quarters and barged into the win column after a 0-3 start.
“A lot of times, I felt like it’s gonna slip into our hands once again,” said coach Topex Robinson. “But we just kept our composure and these guys slugged it out, stayed together and kept what we prepared for coming into this game.”
Javee Mocon had 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists while import Kaleb Wesson added 22 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists for Phoenix.
Phoenix’s win came days after a garnishment notice was issued to the PBA by a Batangas court over complaints of unpaid debt filed by the Lucio Tan-owned Absolut Distillers Inc.
The notice has raised concerns over the future of Phoenix’s participation in the big league.
Import Earl Clark delivered 36 points, 20 rebounds and eight assists but the Road Warriors suffered their first defeat after two straight wins to open the midseason conference.
Lim was finally on the sidelines after assistant coach Adonis Tierra was tapped to man the sidelines in wins over Rain or Shine and Blackwater.
The scores:
PHOENIX 111 — Tio 26, Mocon 23, Wesson 22, Jazul 17, Serrano 17, Pascual 4, Camacho 2, Lojera 0, Muyang 0, Rios 0, Garcia 0, Adamos 0.
NLEX 97 — Clark 36, Trollano 18, Alas 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Nieto 11, Chua 2, Celda 2, Miranda 0, Varilla 0.
Quarters: 26-30, 53-55, 81-77, 111-97.