Phoenix rookie Encho Serrano. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Encho Serrano came through in the final frame to power Phoenix past Converge, 106-103, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday night.
The rookie guard scored 17 of his total 28 points in the fourth quarter to help the Fuel Masters escape a playoff-bound FiberXers by the skin of their teeth.
“We got a good rest coming into this game so that was our advantage. We were ready to go up and down for 48 minutes,” said coach Jamike Jarin, whose charges improved to 3-5 in the season-ending showcase.
“I think (Converge) got tired towards the end, that’s why, I think, we got the win,” he went on.
Import Du’Vaughn Maxwell finished with 19 points, while Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins added 16 each as Phoenix steered away from a potential four-way logjam at the bottom of the Top 8.
Converge, already assured of a quarterfinal berth, got the goods from import Jamaal Franklin, who turned in 30 points. Six more locals chipped in double digits for the club which dropped to 6-3.
Next for Phoenix is Rain or Shine which is looking to bring in a new import in place of the injured Greg Smith II (pulled hamstring).
“We have to prepare and I’m sure coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of Rain or Shine will be ready for us,” Jarin said.