NLEX, Phoenix open 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on bright note

MANILA, Philippines – The NLEX Road Warriors and the Phoenix Fuel Masters came up with key first wins to open their respective campaigns in the season-ending 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, July 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NLEX pulled away late to overcome the Alaska Aces in the day’s marquee contest, 112-104, with import Aaron Fuller registering a game-high 30 points with 20 points, two assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.

Young guard Kevin Alas came out looking to set the tone of him being a strong leader of the Road Warriors this conference with his 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists off the bench.

It seemed like a bad omen for the Aces to start the conference off with a loss, in large part because they have now extended their tailspin to 9 straight games since the previous conference. The 8-game losing streak to end the Commissioner’s Cup had already been the franchise’s worst skid then.

Alaska brought back import LaDontae Henton, who put up 27 points, 9 rebounds, two assists in a losing cause.

Simon Enciso tallied 21 markers and 5 assists off the bench, while Calvin Abueva had 12 points and 14 boards.

Vic Manuel is back in the fold for Alaska after dealing with a knee injury. He reportedly rejoined practice only 3 days ago and finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds in over 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, Phoenix sustained its offensive rhythm for the entire game to post a 118-105 win over the KIA Picanto (formerly the Mahindra Enforcer).

Comebacking reinforcement Eugene Phelps paced the Fuel Masters with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while JC Intal contributed 19 markers and 7 boards.

Ex-Aces RJ Jazul Cyrus Baguio added 18 and 11 points, respectively.

Scores:

NLEX (112): Fuller 30, Alas 20, Tiongson 13, Quinahan 9, Rios 8, Taulava 8, Mallari 7, Al-Hussaini 6, Soyud 6, Fonacier 3, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0, Ighalo 0, J. Villanueva 0. 

Alaska (104): Henton 27, Enciso 21, Abueva 12, Banchero 11, Thoss 10, Manuel 9, Casio 7, Racal 5, Dela Cruz 2, Magat 0, Exciminiano 0, Mendoza 0, Baclao 0. 

Quarter scores: 23-24, 56-55, 83-79, 112-104.

Phoenix (118): Phelps 33, Intal 19, Jazul 18, Eriobu 12, Baguio 11, Dehesa 9, Alolino 8, W. Wilson 4, Kramer 2, J. Wilson 2, Lanete 0, Hayes 0, Borboran 0, Miranda 0. 

KIA (105): Cummings 31, Galanza 15, Jaime 11, Revilla 10, Paniamogan 9, Caperal 8, Khobuntin 7, Teng 5, Corpuz 4, Celda 3, Camson 2, Ballesteros 0, Elorde 0, Salva 0.

Quarter scores: 33-24, 57-48, 83-75, 118-105.

– Rappler.com