PBA: Phoenix rises, hands Rain or Shine first loss

MANILA, April 22 ------ The Phoenix Fuel Masters mounted a come-from-behind victory to hand the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters their first loss in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, 87-83 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Charles Tiu's wards rallied from an 18-point deficit to secure their second straight win, led by Tyler Tio, who had 16 points, five assists, and two rebounds, and Jason Perkins, who posted a team-high 20 markers with three boards. "We just challenged the team at halftime. Parang na-'Space Jam' kami, biglang hindi kami maka-shoot," said Tiu, as Phoenix shot just 13-of-47 (27.7%) from the field and 1-of-21 (4.8%) from beyond the arc in the first half.

Fortunately for the College of Saint Benilde mentor, his team found its rhythm in the third period. In that span, Phoenix shot 52.6% in the frame and hit four of its eight attempts from three-point range to cut its 29-44 halftime deficit to just three, 61-64. The Fuel Masters kept the momentum going in the fourth quarter, with Perkins and Tio knocking down back-to-back triples at the 8:33 mark to give Phoenix a 70-68 lead. While it turned into a back-and-forth affair, Phoenix delivered a decisive six-to-nothing surge with 4:21 remaining to build an 84-78 cushion, capped by another Perkins basket.

The Elasto Painters still managed to pull within one possession, 83-87, following a basket by Gian Mamuyac with 38 seconds left. However, despite getting another chance to force overtime with 6.4 seconds remaining, Rain or Shine faltered as Phoenix's defense forced Caelan Tiongson into a difficult four-point attempt that fell short. James Dickey also impressed for the Fuel Masters with 17 points and 19 rebounds, while Evan Nelle and Ricci Rivero added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, as they recorded their fifth win in eight tries.

On the other hand, Adrian Nocum finished with a game-high 20 points, while Jaylen Johnson backed him up with 12 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists in the loss.

The Scores:

Phoenix 87 – Perkins 20, Dickey 17, Tio 16, Nelle 12, Rivero 11, Delos Santos 4, Tuffin 3, Santos 2, Escandor 2, Ynot 0, Daves 0.

Rain or Shine 83 – Nocum 20, Johnson 12, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 9, Asistio 6, David 6, Tiongson 5, Roque 5, Villegas 3, Caracut 2, Malonzo 2, Santillan 2, Manaytay 0.

Quarterscores: 16-18, 29-44, 61-64, 87-83.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com