The Phoenix Fuel Masters crushed the undermanned North Port Batang Pier, 132-91, to claim their second victory in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Eugene Phelps led Phoenix with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in the win that improved Phoenix's record to 2-0 and tying with Alaska for the top spot.
Jason Perkins delivered 18 points and four boards, while RJ Jazul added 15 points and four assists. Calvin Abueva had an all-around performance of 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in 16 minutes.
From a slim three-point lead midway through the second quarter, the Fuel Masters closed the half with a 14-0 blitz. Phelps, Abueva, and Perkins sparked the rally that allowed them to carry a 17-point cushion at the break.
Phoenix stretched the gap to 32 after exploding for 34 points in the third period and holding North Port to just 19. The Fuel Masters continued their onslaught in the fourth, building as much as a 44-point edge.
Rashad Woods' 42 points went for naught as the Batang Pier fell to 0-2. Only Paolo Taha finished in double-digits among the locals with 15 points, most of which were scored in the final quarter when the game was already decided.
North Port is still missing the services of Stanley Pringle, who is competing with the Philippine men's basketball team in the ongoing Asian Games. Sean Anthony and Jeric Teng also did not suit up due to injuries.
THE SCORES
PHOENIX 132: Phelps 30, Perkins 18, Jazul 15, Abueva 12, Eriobu 10, Wright 10, Revilla 9, Chua 7, Intal 7, Mendoza 6, Wilson 5, Gamboa 3.
NORTHPORT 91: Woods 42, Taha 15, Grey 7, Elorde 6, Guinto 6, Javelona 5, Espinas 4, Flores 4, Tautuaa 2, Gabayni 0.
Quarters: 37-28, 60-43, 94-62, 132-91.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
-- Phoenix dished a total of 38 assists for a whopping assist rate of 79 percent. LA Revilla was the lead facilitator with 11 dimes, while Abueva and Jazul added four each.
-- The Fuel Masters won the rebounding battle, 59-44, and also had an overwhelming 13-3 advantage in steals. They scored 34 points off North Port's 22 turnovers.
-- According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, this 41-point victory is the biggest winning margin of the Phoenix franchise. It its previous record of a 27-point win, also at the expense of the Batang Pier, during the last conference .
NEXT GAMES
Phoenix -- August 29 (Wednesday) vs Alaska Aces at Smart-Araneta Coliseum
North Port -- September 1 (Saturday) vs Magnolia Hotshots at Smart-Araneta Coliseum