The Phoenix Fuel Masters used a strong fourth quarter onslaught as it downed the Terrafirma Dyip to finally pick up a victory after back-to-back losses in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Wednesday.
Phoenix kicked into high gear in the payoff period to register its first win at the expense of Terrafirma, 94-78, in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, March 13.
RR Garcia spearheaded that late onslaught, dropping eight of his 20 points in a 30-14 fourth quarter assault as the Fuel Masters finally broke through after a 0-2 start.
Thirty-four-year-old Garcia, a former Most Valuable Player in the collegiate ranks, capped his offensive output with four straight points to give Phoenix a 92-75 separation with more than a minute to go.
The Dyip, who dazzled with a 2-0 start, have now dropped their second straight match to slide to the sixth spot.
"During the pre-game, si coach Jamike (Jarin) spoke with the team. Sabi niya sa amin, we haven't really played Phoenix basketball," said Fuel Masters assistant coach Miguel Dizon.
The pep talk worked wonders.
After Terrafirma pulled within three, 76-73, on Juami Tiongson's free throws with 6:35 to go in the final period, everything just clicked for the Fuel Masters.
Javee Mocon hit a triple before Kenneth Tuffin scored on a putback off Ricci Rivero's miss to stretch Phoenix's advantage to nine, 84-75, with still 3:20 left on the clock.
The Fuel Masters did not stop there.
After a huge defensive play, Tuffin would convert a layup in transition as Phoenix closed out the match on a 14-5 tear.
"It's the defensive intensity that we wanted," said Dizon.
Jason Perkins collected 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Tuffin added 17 points and nine boards for the Fuel Masters.
Javi Gomez de Liano paced the Dyip with 19 points while Tiongson contributed 16.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 94 – Garcia 20, Perkins 18, Tuffin 17, Muyang 13, Daves 8, Mocon 8, Jazul 7, Rivero 3, Manganti 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0.
TERRAFIRMA 78 – Gomez de Liano 19, Tiongson 16, Camson 10, Alolino 8, Sangalang 8, Go 4, Carino 4, Mina 3, Ramos 2, Olivario 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16, 39-44, 64-64, 94-78