MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Import Kevin Pinkney dropped 23 points and RR Garcia scored 22 as the Phoenix Fuel Masters battered the Mahindra Enforcers, 114-99, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, March 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix came out firing from the start and never relinquished the lead to go on and arrest a 3-game losing skid for a 2-3 record.
"The plan was to arrest our 3-game skid and I'm happy the players were ready. It all started on the defensive end. We always preach to them that good defense will always be good offense for us," said head coach Koy Banal.
"Before this game we were at the cellar and they were challenged. But it's just one game, our goal is to make it to .500 after Saturday's game."
Pinkney shot 9-of-17 from the field and also tallied 9 rebounds plus a block, while Garcia added two rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, as the Fuel Masters led by as much as 21 points, 46-25.
Willy Wilson had a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds to go with 5 assists. He made 10 of his 13 field goal attempts. JC Intal was likewise efficient with 7-of-11 shooting for his 16 points, while Mick Pennisi added 10 markers off the bench.
Import Augustus Gilchrist led the way for the Enforcers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Niño Canaleta went 8-of-12 from the field for 18 points on top of 9 boards, 5 dimes and 3 rejections.
Karlo Dehesa added 14 points, 6 rebounds and two steals as Mahindra lost back-to-back games and now has a 3-3 slate.
Scores:
Phoenix (114): Pinkney 23, Garcia 22, Wilson 21, Intal 16, Pennisi 10, Urbictondo 7, Brondial 5, Lanete 5, Monfort 5, Baracael 0.
Mahindra (99): Gilchrist 21, Canaleta 18, Dehesa 14, Digregorio 8, Pascual 8, Ramos 7, Yee 7, Pinto 6, Jaime 4, Revilla 4, Guinto 2, Hubalde 0, Webb 0, Alvarez 0.
Quarter scores: 34-23, 61-47, 92-72, 114-99.
– Rappler.com