Phoenix import rallies teammates to slump-busting triumph over cellar-dwelling Terrafirma

Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero (with ball) drives through the heart of the Terrafirma defense. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Phoenix reeled in Donovan Smith not only as a reinforcement for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but also as an extension of its braintrust, according to head coach Jamike Jarin.

And he truly looked the part on when the Fuel Masters, who have lost five of their first six games in the tournament, dismantled Terrafirma, 122-108, Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

“Just holding guys accountable and having guys hold me accountable as well on both sides of the floor—I feel like that’s the biggest reason why we won today because we played together for 48 minutes,” the American big man said shortly after the contest that had the petrol club rising to 2-5 (win-loss) in the standings.

“We come in and work every day with the same attitude, regardless of if we would have won five straight or if we would like we lost [it all],” he went on.

Smith starred with 37 points, seven rebounds and five blocks—his all-around performance rubbing off on teammates Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay, who all finished with twin-digit scores.

Phoenix rolled its sleeves in the second period, outscoring the winless Dyip 31-13 in that frame. The Fuel Masters then held on for the win that they hoped would pave the way for more victories as they tried to forget their laughable start to the conference.

“We cannot implode,” said Jarin, whose squad will have streaking Rain or Shine, perennial bridesmaid Magnolia, NLEX, Blackwater and then TNT left on their schedule.

“We just have to stay together, stay positive, because you saw the games against Meralco, Converge, Ginebra, and [Hong Kong] Eastern—we were leading. It was just, like what we’ve always said, a matter of closing out.”

Romeo still absent

Terrafirma got the goods from import Brandon Edwards, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Louie Sangalang paced the team’s locals with 22 points as fellow youngsters Brent Paraiso, Mark Nonoy and Kemark Cariño all delivered at least 11 points each in a losing stand that kept them winless in eight meetings.

And with Terrence Romeo still not back in harness, the Dyip’s future doesn’t look like it’s going to change for the better. The former league-scoring champion was in street clothes during the match.

Terrafirma has four games left, two of them against powerhouses Magnolia and TNT. The Dyip also have yet to play visiting Hong Kong. INQ