Phoenix guard RR Garcia leads the Fuel Masters to their first win in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix displayed its brand of play this time and finally got its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the expense of Terrafirma, 94-78, Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Fuel Masters leaned on their stingy defense to produce points on the other end to pull away from the Dyip and claimed victory after starting the All-Filipino tournament with two straight defeats.
“We haven’t played Phoenix basketball and we were a bit of playing selfish basketball in the first two games,” said assistant coach Paolo Dizon. “But we were locked in defensively which is one of the identities we want to carry from the previous conference.”
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
Veteran guard RR Garcia was one of the top performers for Phoenix with 20 points and 10 assists, his effort sorely needed with Tyler Tio missing a second straight game due to a foot injury.
Jason Perkins had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists while rookie Ken Tuffin added 17 points and nine assists.
Terrafirma fell to 2-2 after dropping its last two games, this time playing sans rookie Stephen Holt.
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Holt was sidelined due to a nagging back problem.
Javi Gomez de Liano finished with 19 points and five rebounds for Terrafirma.
The game was tied at 64-all entering the fourth quarter before Phoenix took control led by Garcia, Tuffin and Javee Mocon, who had eight points, six rebounds and four steals.
Phoenix vs Terrafirma scores
PHOENIX 94—Garcia 20, Perkins 18, Tuffin 17, Muyang 13, Daves 8, Mocon 8, Jazul 7, Rivero 3, Manganti 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0.
TERRAFIRMA 78—Gomez de Liano 19, Tiongson 16, Camson 10, Alolino 8, Sangalang 8, Go 4, Carino 4, Mina 3, Ramos 2, Olivario 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0.
Quarters: 19-16, 39-44, 64-64, 94-78.