The fairytale continues for the Fuel Masters with a masterful Game 3 comeback.
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters finally figured out how to finish games and disposed of Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, earning a crucial 103-85 win to get a new lease on life in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Sunday at the MOA Arena.
The Fuel Masters turned it up in the second half, with RJ Jazul hitting 3 straight three-pointers in a furious 14-4 run in the fourth period to bury the Hotshots for good.
The veteran gunner scored 17 points, 14 of which he made in the second half. He also had three rebounds and three assists in the win, a first for Phoenix in 11 tries against the Hotshots.
While Jazul was the hero, it was import Johnathan Williams who topscored for the Fuel Masters with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Kenneth Tuffin, Jayvee Mocon, and Sean Manganti chipped in 14 each.
“We just told ourselves we weren’t having fun, we’re just too tight,” coach Jamike Jarin said of the team’s first half play.
“We buckled down on defense and moved the ball and worked as a unit offensively and defensively. And eventually we caught up and executed and made some crucial baskets.”
Phoenix mustered every ounce of will left to recover from 21 points down and kicked into high gear to start the fourth period.
Suddenly the Hotshots couldn’t find the answers to that onslaught, with only Clavin Abueva trying to keep them afloat.
It certainly didn’t help Magnolia that Calvin fouled out with still 5:27 to go, as things completely went out of their control.
Tyler Bey wound up with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and a pair of assists for the Hotshots. Paul Lee addded 17 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point area. Abueva finished with 14 before heading to the bench.
Game 4 is set for next Wednesday, with Magnolia still holding a 2-1 series lead.