By JAY R. GOTERA
MANILA
The red-hot Phoenix Fuel Masters stunned the defending champions San Miguel Beermen, 92-85, knocking down 14 three-pointers en route to their first win after an opening game loss to the Blackwater Elite in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night.
Forward JC Intal led Phoenix with 22 points, including clutch baskets in the endgame. Point guard Simon Enciso also had another explosive game, finishing with 15 points and nine assists.
Rookies Matthew Wright and Gelo Alolino added 14 and 13 points respectively for the Fuel Masters while Willy Wilson grabbed 18 huge rebounds aside from chipping in six points and four assists.
Reigning 3-time MVP June Mar Fajardo led SMB with 19 points and 24 rebounds.
The Fuel Masters seized control of the game right from start to finish. They were up by 17 points, 75-88, in the final quarter when the Beermen launched a fierce comeback bid led by Fajardo.
With SMB threatening to steal the game, Intal came to Phoenix’s rescue, drilling a short bank shot followed by a clutch three-pointer to preserve the victory.
Rain or Shine 105, Mahindra 83
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters swamped the slumping Mahindra Floodbuster, 105-83, in a game that saw both teams’ latest high-profile acquisitions — James Yap for ROS and Gary David for Mahindra — play for the first time.
Yap, formerly from Star, fared much better, scoring 11 points. David, who was waived off by San Miguel Beer and who signed with Mahindra just last Tuesday, only scored one point and missed all of his nine attempts at the basket.
The Painters started the game with all guns ablaze, firing 18 three-pointers to dominate the hapless Floodbuster from start to finish. It was ROS’ second straight win as the Painters joined the Blackwater Elite for the early lead in the standings.
Jericho Cruz led ROS’ balanced attack, finishing with 15 points, including four three-pointers, as well as three boards and four assists. Maverick Ahanmisi added 14 points, four boards and four assists while Chris Tiu posted 11 markers.
ROS led 61-32 at halftime, and was up by as many as 49 points, 98-49, early in the final quarter.
Alex Mallari, rookies Russell Escoto and Philip Paniamogan scored 10 points apiece to lead Mahindra, which suffered its second straight loss.
Games Friday: TNT Ka Tropa Texters (1-1) vs. Blackwater Elite (2-0) and GlobalPort Batang Pier (1-0) vs. Star Hotshots (0-1).
