Phoenix snaps skid as NorthPort comeback falls short

Phoenix Super LPG nearly squandered a huge lead as it turned back woeful NorthPort, 108-97, to book its breakthrough victory in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

Phoenix, who previously had three straight losses, improved to 1-3 while NorthPort extended its slump with a 0-4 win-loss card.

The Fuel Masters led by as much as 27, 84-57, late in the third period before the Batang Pier unleashed a 15-2 run to end the frame trailing by just 14 with Art Dela Cruz and Jeff Chan fueling their offense.

NorthPort further trimmed its deficit to just six, 89-83, after import Marcus Weathers instigated a personal 11-3 rampage early in the fourth period. But Phoenix' hot-shooting proved crucial as RJ Jazul, Sean Manganti, and Jason Perkins unloaded crucial baskets that saw them go up by 14, 102-88, with 4:21 left.

NorthPort still tried to come back, but Phoenix held on en route to the victory.

Maxwell paced Phoenix with a double-double and an all-around effort of 26 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks while Perkins had 26 markers as well to go along with seven boards, two dimes, and one steal.

Jazul detonated for 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point range while Manganti finished with 13.

NorthPort was dealt its fourth consecutive loss even after getting a solid 31-point outburst from Weathers, who also had nine rebounds and two steals in the defeat.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News