PBA: Phoenix scores 2nd win, routs Terrafirma

Phoenix import Donovan Smith during a game against Terrafirma in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix claimed its second win after flattening the tires of Terrafirma, 122-108, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Import Donovan Smith delivered 37 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks to star for the Fuel Masters who improved to 2-5 win-loss, kicking off the new year on a promising note after a forgettable start to the conference.

Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Kai Ballungay all finished with double-digit scores in the effort that pushed the Dyip even deeper in the standings with their eight straight loss in as many outings.

READ: PBA: Jordan Heading carries Converge past Phoenix

Up next for Phoenix is Rain or Shine, which is riding on a four-game winning streak. They battle on Jan. 11.

Terrafirma drew 25 points from reinforcement Brandon Edwards, and 22 more from Louie Sangalang.

Brent Paraiso, Mark Nonoy, and Kemark Cariño chipped in at least 11 each in the losing effort that could’ve used the help of former scoring champion Terrence Romeo who has yet to return to harness since getting traded from San Miguel.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 122 – Smith 37, Perkins 16, Rivero 14, Tio 10, Ballungay 10, Tuffin 8, Muyang 7, Jazul 4, Alejandro 4, Daves 3, Manganti 3, Garcia 2, Salado 2, Verano 2, Ular 0.

TERRAFIRMA 108 – Edwards 25, Sangalang 22, Paraiso 16, Nonoy 12, Carino 11, Hernandez 7, Manuel 6, Melecio 5, Pringle 2, Ramos 2, Catapusan 0.

Quarterscores: 29-36, 60-49, 88-84, 122-108.