MANILA, Philippines – Columbian finally got the local support it needed to end a 3-game skid with a 115-107 triumph over Phoenix in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 10. 

Import John Fields submitted 29 points, 26 rebounds and 6 assists while 5 local players finished in double figures as the Dyip solidified their bid for a quarterfinals spot with a 4-5 record.

Glenn Khobuntin led all Columbian locals with 18 points and 4 rebounds, Rashawn McCarthy chipped in 15 points and 8 assists and Jerramy King chalked up 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals. 

It was a see-saw battle in the first 3 quarters with Phoenix holding a slim 75-73 lead before the Dyip pulled away in the final frame thanks to timely baskets from King, McCarthy and Khobuntin.

It also helped that Phoenix had one of its worst shooting nights in the conference after burying only 4 of its 26 attempts from deep. 

The Fuel Masters, despite drawing 34 points, 22 rebounds and 3 blocks from Eugene Phelps, absorbed their 3rd straight loss for a 3-5 record. 

Matthew Wright had 32 points and 3 steals in the loss. 

The Scores:

Columbian (115): Fields 29, Khobuntin 18, King 15, McCarthy 15, Camson 10, Escoto 6, Ababou 3, Corpuz 2, Sara 2, Cahilig 2, Celda 0

Phoenix (107): Phelps 34, Wright 32, Perkins 14, Revilla 5, Intal 5, Wilson 5, Chan 4, Kramer 2, Chua 2, Jazul 2, Mendoza 2, Dehesa 0, Gamboa 0

Quarter scores: 29-17, 48-44, 75-73, 115-107

– Rappler.com