Phelps awakens late, steers Phoenix past Blackwater

Eugene Phelps. PBA IMAGES

Eugene Phelps bucked a woeful first half and captained Phoenix to a 93-81 victory over Phoenix Wednesday in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Despite being held to his lowest output in a half with only eight, the 26-year-old import got his bearings back in the second half and finished with 29 points, 26 rebounds, and four assists.

“Hulog ng langit sa amin si Phelps,” said coach Ariel Vanguardia, as the Fuel Masters racked up their third straight victory, and their fourth in five games after starting the conference with a 0-3 slate.

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Mark Borboran added 15 markers and six boards, while Simon Enciso got 12 points and four dimes in the win to improve Phoenix’s standing to 5-4, good for solo fifth place.

The Fuel Masters easily turned a close 76-71 lead at the 7:49 mark to a 12-point edge, 83-71, with Phelps rocking the rim with 5:17 left to take the fight out of the Elite.

With one game left in Phoenix’s schedule, Vanguardia is hoping to see more from his wealth of guards.

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“Ang point guards ko is like a box of chocolates. If teams will pressure us the whole game, we’ll struggle.
That’s why I’m challenging my them to lead this team.”

The Fuel Masters return to action this Saturday against Alaska.

Carlo Lastimosa paced Blackwater (1-8) with 18 points, seven assists, and four rebounds off the bench, while Art dela Cruz also had 18 markers and five boards.

Debuting import Keala King tallied 14 points and eight rebounds, but that still wasn’t enough to stop the bleeding for the Elite who fell to their seventh straight defeat.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 93 – Phelps 29, Borboran 15, Enciso 12, Baguio 10, Buenafe 8, W. Wilson 7, Urbiztondo 6, Caperal 3, Cruz 2, Pennisi 1, Lee 0, Lanete 0, J. Wilson 0, Miranda 0.
BLACKWATER 81 – Dela Cruz 18, Lastimosa 18, King 14, Pinto 9, Miranda 8, Sena 6, Gamalinda 4, Golla 2, Pascual 2, Eguilos 0, Reyes 0, Sumang 0.

Quarters: 25-20, 47-41, 65-61, 93-81.