Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Reden Celda. –PBA IMAGES
Phoenix put an end to a string of defeats by stopping the winning run of Terrafirma, 104-92, in the PBA On Tour on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Reden Celda scored 19 points against his former team while Chris Lalata, Simon Camacho and Larry Muyang performed well as the Fuel Masters won after a 2-0 start in the exhibition series was followed by three straight defeats.
The Fuel Masters prevailed despite missing the services of coach Jamike Jarin, who is in the United States to attend the wedding of his niece, while taking advantage of the absence of key Dyip players, namely ace scorer Juami Tiongson.
“It also helps that their main man wasn’t there,” said assistant coach Willie Wilson, referring to Tiongson, who is averaging 23.8 points in the exhibition series.
Celda made 8 of 14 shots on his way to leading all Phoenix scorers at the expense of the team which he played from 2016 to 2022.
Lalata had 15 points and eight rebounds, Camacho scored eight of his 12 points in the third when Phoenix pulled away while Muyang produced 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Javee Mocon was the other double-digit scorer with 13 while J-Jay Alejandro dished out eight assists.
Javi Gomez de Liano had 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists but Terrafirma lost after winning its previous two outings.
Terrafirma fell to 3-3 after playing not only without Tiongson, but Isaac Go and Andreas Cahilig, who were also key in victories over NLEX and Meralco.
Phoenix’s big third quarter paved the way for its biggest lead at 91-67 in the early part of the fourth before foiling Terrafirma’s comeback attempt in the final minutes.
The Dyip got to within five, 95-90, with 1:47 left but Lalata scored and Alejandro made his only basket after forcing a turnover to restore the Fuel Masters’ firm grip of the contest.
The scores:
PHOENIX 104—Celda 19, Lalata 15, Mocon 13, Camacho 12, Muyang 11, Tio 10, Rangel 8, Manganti 6, Alejandro 5, Jazul 5, Fetalvero 0, Atienza 0.
TERRAFIRMA 92—Gomez de Liano 23, Daquioag 15, Camson 15, Ramos 13, Alolino 11, Mina 11, Calvo 4, Grospe 0, Taladua 0, Alanes 0.
Quarters: 25-24, 46-40, 81-67, 104-92.