SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The Phoenix Fuel Masters failed to score for almost half of the third quarter and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ran away with a 97-82 victory in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, January 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jericho Cruz led the charge with 21 points and 8 rebounds coming off the bench, as the Painters solidified their hold of the second spot with a 5-2 record from back-to-back victories.
“I just told the players we have to start the year with a win. If you look at the standings, every win is important,” said head coach Caloy Garcia.
Cruz buried a timely triple midway in the fourth that doused water on Phoenix’s fourth quarter rally which brought them to within 9.
Jeff Chan and James Yap added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the win as Rain or Shine made do without key guys Gabe Norwood (sore eyes) and Raymond Almazan (calf).
Rookie Matthew Wright had a game-high 26 points plus 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals for the Fuel Masters.
JC Intal and John Wilson added 10 apiece as Phoenix fell to a 4-4 record.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (97): Cruz 21, Chan 12, Yap 10, Tolomia 9, Trollano 9, Washington 9, Matias 8, Ahanmisi 8, Tiu 6, Ponferada 3, Belga 2, Maiquez 0.
Phoenix (82): Wright 26, Intal 10, J. Wilson 10, Alolino 8, Baguio 8, Borboran 7, Torres 5, Enciso 3, Hayes 3, Caperal 2, W.Wilson 0, Lanete 0.
Quarter scores: 30-20, 53-45, 78-61, 97-82.
– Rappler.com
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