Phoenix rallies to beat Magnolia, avoid sweep in PBA semis

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ JVee Mocon and Johnathan Williams in the PBA semifinals series against Magnolia Hotshots. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix Super LPG used a blistering second half on Sunday to hack out a 103-85 win over top-ranked Magnolia in Game 3 and fan the flames of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

Six Fuel Masters delivered at least 13 points to come back from 21 points down and log their first victory after dropping the first two games of this best-of-five semifinal series.

“Coming into the second half we just told ourselves that we weren’t having fun, letting Magnolia do what they wanted to do. So we buckled down to work defensively, caught up, and executed,” coach Jamike Jarin said shortly after the gallant stand at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

READ: Phoenix starts hard, long journey to reach PBA’s Promised Land

“We know we’re capable of playing big. Actually, we should have, two games ago. But at least we got this one,” said RJ Jazul, the team’s skipper who led all locals with 17 points.

Import Johnathan Williams III had 19 points and 15 rebounds as Sean Manganti, rookie Kenneth Tuffin, and Javee Mocon chipped in 14 each for the petrol club that will now try to level the series on Wednesday.

Magnolia got the goods from import Tyler Bey who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Paul Lee who tossed in 17 more in the losing effort. Calvin Abueva finished with 14 but maxed out his fouls halfway through the final quarter, allowing Phoenix to reclaim control of the game.

Tuffin hit a layup and then Manganti drilled a triple from the right side to give Phoenix a 16-point lead entering the final two minutes of the contest, pretty much putting the game beyond Magnolia’s reach.

PHOENIX vs MAGNOLIA SCORES

PHOENIX 103 – Williams 19, Jazul 17, Manganti 14, Tuffin 14, Mocon 14, Perkins 13, Rivero 6, Tio 4, Verano 2, Muyang 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0.

MAGNOLIA 85 – Bey 18, Lee 17, Abueva 14, Sangalang 10, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 6, Reavis 4, Jalalon 4, Dela Rosa 2, Dionisio 2, Mendoza 0, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0.

Quarterscores: 17-31, 38-51, 71-67, 103-85.