MANILA, Philippines – Big-time performances by veteran Cyrus Baguio and import Eugene Phelps lifted the Phoenix Fuel Masters past the Mahindra Enforcers, 100-94, on Friday, August 12, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Baguio, who was acquired from a trade with Alaska last month, scored 22 points and did most of his damage in the fourth quarter to create separation for the Fuel Masters. Phelps followed up his 52-point debut with 23 points and 21 rebounds against the Enforcers.
Mahindra, which dropped to 4-1 in the standings, was led by the 24 points and 14 boards of James White. Aldrech Ramos also played well with 18 points and added 8 rebounds. The win improved the record of Phoenix in the Governors’ Cup to 2-3.
After the Fuel Masters went ahead by 3 with 31 seconds to go, Mahindra had a chance to tie or trim the lead, but KG Canaleta missed a triple and Mike Digregorio’s shot was blocked in the paint.
Willie Wilson then split his free throws to make it a two-possession game with 13 seconds left, and that sealed the win for Phoenix which is undefeated with its new import.
Scores:
Phoenix (100): Phelps 23, Baguio 22, Borboran 13, Lee 13, Cruz 6, Caperal 5, Lanete 5, Torres 4, Buenafe 3, Enciso 3, Wilson J. 2, Wilson W. 1, Pennisi 0
Mahindra (94): White 24, Ramos 18, Taha 13, Canaleta 10, Digregorio 7, Agovida 6, Jaime 4, Yee 4, Aguilar 2, Guinto 2, Pinto 2, Webb 2, Zandi 0, Elorde 0
Quarter scores: 13-24, 44-45, 68-71, 100-94 – Rappler.com