Phoenix snaps three-game losing skid, frustrates Alaska for fifth win

"Not today," said the Phoenix Super LPG.

The Fuel Masters refused to hand over another comeback win to the exiting Alaska after they eked out a 104-99 victory in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Phoenix quickly asserted dominance with a 15-point lead in the second quarter, 37-20, to give its new import  Du’Vaughn Maxwell a proper welcome, following the exit of previous reinforcement Dominique Sutton.

The Fuel Masters had a strong third quarter start, even leading by 56-48 with an 8-2 run, but the game went into a nip-and-tuck affair as Alaska mounted a comeback. Prior to that, Phoenix was up by a thread at the half, 48-47.

Alaska was able to tie things up at 61 after igniting for a 13-5 run with Abu Tratter leading the pack.

But Phoenix restored order as they drilled four baskets from deep, two of which came from hot-shooting guard RJ Jazul, for an 81-74 cushion at the end of third frame.

The Fuel Masters failed to build on that momentum at the start of the payoff period with Alaska taking back the lead, 93-92, following a 13-0 spurt halfway through the quarter.

Despite the scramble, Phoenix was able to hold off the Aces after big man Jason Perkins, Jazul, and debuting Maxwell made crucial baskets in the endgame.

Maxwell had a rousing debut, finishing with a monster double-double of 21 points and 21 rebounds to go along with three assists and two blocks as Phoenix improved to 5-5 while Alaska dropped to 6-4.

Phoenix also got a solid outing from its locals with Perkins collecting 22 points, 15 of which he poured in the first half, while Matthew Wright and Jazul notched 26 and 21 markers, respectively.

Alaska, who was coming off a stunning comeback win over Meralco last weekend, was powered by import Ola Ashaolu who registered 24 points and 10 boards. — LA, GMA News

The Scores:

Phoenix Super LPG - Maxwell 21, Wright 26, Perkins 22, Jazul 21, Porter 6, Manganti 5, Melecio 3, Garcia 0, Pascual 0, Demusis 0, Rios 0, Robles 0.

Alaska -  Ashaolu 24, Herndon 17, Digregorio 13, Ahanmisi 12, Teng 12, Taha 10, Tratter 7, Bulanadi 2,  Racal 2, Stockton 0, Ilagan 0, Faundo 0.

Quarters: 31-20, 48-47, 81-74, 104-99.