PBA: Ricci Rivero drops 40 to lead Phoenix past Terrafirma

Ricci Rivero erupted for 40 points to power Phoenix Fuel Masters past Terrafirma Dyip, 133-105, on Wednesday in the Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Rivero knocked down seven three-pointers and shot an efficient 14-of-22 from the field as the Fuel Masters improved to 3-1, bouncing back into the win column.

He set the tone early with 21 points in the first half and continued to pound on the Dyip.

Holding a 56-46 advantage at halftime, Phoenix broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring Terrafirma, 40-27, to build a commanding 96-73 lead entering the final period. The Fuel Masters maintained control the rest of the way to secure the victory.

The win spoiled a 37-point outing from Jerrick Ahanmisi, as the Dyip absorbed their first loss after opening the conference with three straight wins.

Scores:

Phoenix 133 – Rivero 40, Escandor 20, Dickey 14, Nelle 14, Caperal 11, Perkins 9, Daves 8, Tuffin 7, Delos Santos 4, Santos 3, Gozum 3, Tio 0, Ando 0.

Terrafirma. 105 – J.Ahanmisi 37, Ali 13, Hernandez 9, M.Ahanmisi 9, Umali 8, Hanapi 6, Chiu 6, Eriobu 4, Bravo 4, Catapusan 4, Paraiso 3, Zaldivar 2, Garcia 0, Adamos 0.

Quarters: 25-23, 56-46, 96-73, 133-105.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News