Phoenix cruises to franchise best start, drubs Columbian Dyip, 108-98
Credit to Author: JOSEF T. RAMOS, TMT| Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:14:04 +0000
PHOENIX cruised to its third straight victory for its best start in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 44 Philippine Cup, drubbing Columbian Dyip, 108-98, at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Riding on an early 40-21 advantage in the first half, the Fuel Masters were too hot to handle as the Columbian Dyip found itself trailing the entire game.
Matthew Wright Exploded for 15 of his 24 points in the second half, while Calvin Abueva registered 16 points, nine rebounds and three steals while Rookie of the Year winner Jason Perkins finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead Phoenix.
It wasn’t only the best start for the Fuel Masters since they entered the league in 2016 but winning their first three games was a surprise for coach Louie Alas after losing all their tune-up games against Northern Luzon Expressway and Rain or Shine during the off season.
“Before the conference started, we never thought of a 3-0 because we lost all our tune-up games by blowout. Hopefully, more wins for us but we are not yet facing some of the league’s heavyweight teams,” said Alas, referring to defending champion San Miguel Beer, Magnolia and Ginebra.
Columbian Dyip upset San Miguel Beer last week, 124-118, behind CJ Perez’s 26 points.
Last year’s top overall pick, however, was limited to 10 points although he still managed to produce eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
“I told JC (Intal) to limit him (Perez) to just 10 points because in his last game against San Miguel Beer, he scored 24 points in the second half. Good job for JC, he did not only play good defense but also scored too,” added Alas, who drew 13 points and six rebounds from Intal.
LA Revilla also produced 12 points and seven assists while Doug Kramer had eight points for Phoenix.
Rookie JP Calvo scored 18 points to led Columbian Dyip, which dropped to a 1-1 win-loss record.
Scores:
Phoenix 108 – Wright 22, Abueva 16, Perkins 14, Intal 13, Revilla 12, Kramer 8, Marcelo 7, Jazul 6, Chua 4, Mendoza 2, Napoles 2, Dennison 2, Mallari 0.
Columbian 98 – Calvo 18, Camson 13, Corpuz 13, McCarthy 10, Perez 10, Reyes 9, Celda 9, Escoto 8, Khobuntin 6, Agovida 2, Cahilig 0, Cabrera 0, Tabi 0.
Quarters: 24-14, 53-47, 82-72, 108-98.
The post Phoenix cruises to franchise best start, drubs Columbian Dyip, 108-98 appeared first on The Manila Times Online.