The Phoenix Fuel Masters completed a masterful 30-point demolition of the TNT KaTropa, 112-82, in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off a loss at the hands of Alaska, the Fuel Masters dominated TNT on all fronts to bounce back for a 3-1 record. The KaTropa, meanwhile, suffered their third straight defeat that dropped them to 1-4.
Jason Perkins topped with 22 points on 10-for-12 shooting and five rebounds. Matthew Wright delivered 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Eugene Phelps had 15 markers and 11 boards.
"This is a big bounce back win for us," said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas. "The players played as hard as they can and this is the first time that they bounced back big, which compensated our loss to Alaska."
Phoenix already built a 30-point lead at halftime, 61-31, and continued to pounce on the hapless TNT after the break. A 3-pointer from Wright widened the gap to as high as 41 early in the fourth, 100-59, which fully shut the door on the KaTropa.
Francis Tamsi finished with 14 points for TNT, while import Stacy Davis registered 13 points and 11 rebounds.
"This is our best start, and hopefully we can sustain this so we can reach the playoffs," Alas added.
THE SCORES
Phoenix 112 - Perkins 22, Wright 16, Phelps 15, Jazul 13, Abueva 12, Eriobu 9, Chua 8, Revilla 6, Mendoza 6, Intal 3, Wilson 2, Gamboa 0.
TNT 82 - Tamsi 14, Davis 13, Cruz 12, Garcia 11, Carey 8, Semerad 7, Pogoy 7, Rosario 5, Reyes 3, Castro 2, Golla 0, Paredes 0, Williams 0, Saitanan 0.
Quarters: 29-17, 61-31, 85-56, 112-82.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
- According to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon, the last time that TNT had a 1-4 start prior to this conference was in the 1999 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
- This 30-point beating, the worst loss of TNT under head coach Nash Racela, follows a 29-point rout at the hands of Alaska just last Sunday.
NEXT GAMES
Phoenix - September 19 (Wednesday) vs Meralco Bolts at Smart-Araneta Coliseum
TNT - September 2 (Sunday) vs Columbian Dyip at Smart-Araneta Coliseum