PBA: Phoenix dominates Titan Ultra to go 2-0 in Commissioner’s Cup

Phoenix dominated Titan Ultra, 109-76, to notch its second win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

The Fuel Masters raced to an early 33-17 lead in the first quarter, with Ricci Rivero scoring eight of his 18 points, and continued to pour it on to build a 58-45 advantage at halftime.

After being outscored in the third period, Phoenix responded with a 36-12 barrage in the fourth quarter, with Evan Nelle scoring all 14 of his points in the final frame.

Rivero finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Import James Dickey added a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, along with six assists, four steals, and four blocks.

Ken Tuffin also scored 17 points, while Nelle dished out eight assists to go with three rebounds and three steals.

Import Earl Gilmore paced Titan with 27 points, 20 rebounds, four steals, and three assists, emerging as the Ultra Risers’ lone double-digit scorer. Fran Yu and Joshua Munzon chipped in nine points apiece as Titan slipped to 0-2.

Scores:

Phoenix 109 – Rivero 18, Dickey 17, Tuffin 17, Nelle 14, Santos 13, Ballungay 8, Gozum 7,  Cullar 5, Escandor 3, Ando 3, Caperal 2, Daves 2, Delos Santos 0.

Titan 76 – Gilmore 27, Munzon 9, Yu 9, Sajonia 8, Flores 6, Dionisio 5, Melecio 2, Balanza 2, Ular 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 2, Omega 0, Pessumal 0.

Quarters: 33-17, 58-45, 73-64, 109-76

—JKC, GMA Integrated News