PBA: Phoenix routs Mahindra to end skid

RR Garcia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Phoenix regained its form as it ripped Mahindra, 114-99, to end a three-game losing skid in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Kevin Pinkney, RR Garcia and Willie Wilson combined for 66 points to lead the Fuel Masters, who improved to 2-3 following a wire-to-wire victory.

“We just want to arrest a three-game losing skid and the players were unhappy after we lost to Alaska,” said Phoenix head coach Koy Banal. “The players were ready to come out in this basketball game and it all started on the defensive end.”

Phoenix’s offense was just as good. The team shot 53% from the field, including a 65% clip in the first quarter and had 23 assists and only 10 turnovers.

Wilson recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds that went with five assists while Pinkney led all scorers with 23 points. Garcia scored nine of his 22 points in the opening period to set the tone for Phoenix.

Augustus Gilchrist had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Enforcers (3-2), who lost by 15 despite out-rebounding the Fuel Masters, 55-39.