Phoenix stuns San Miguel, drops Beermen to 0-2

Phoenix pulled off an upset against defending champion San Miguel with a 109-103 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Fuel Masters were leading 105-90 with around four minutes remaining in the final frame, but the Beermen responded with an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to four, 105-101, with 1:39 left.

Ricci Rivero then sank his free throws after a foul by CJ Perez, followed by June Mar Fajardo going to the line for two shots after a foul by Yousef Taha.

However, it was Evan Nelle's free throws that ultimately sealed the win, as Fajardo missed his final four-point attempt.

Rivero led the Fuel Masters with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay added 14 points apiece as Phoenix notched its first win of the conference.

Fajardo tallied 19 points and 22 rebounds in a losing effort, as the Beermen suffered their second consecutive loss in the All-Filipino conference.

Scores:

Phoenix 109 – Rivero 16, Tio 14, Ballungay 14, Perkins 13, Nelle 10, Caperal 9, Daves 7, Kwekuteye 6, Taha 6, Santos 5, Escandor 3, Jazl 2, Ando 0.

San Miguel 103 – Fajardo 19, Cruz 15, Perez 17, Trollano 16, Lassiter 9, Rosales 9, Brondial 6, Tautuaa 5, Tiongson 5, Miller 0, Cahilig 0.

Quarters: 27-23, 61-51, 82-74, 109-103.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News