Thanks to his veteran experience, RJ Jazul delivered the Phoenix Fuel Masters to their first PBA Commissioner’s Cup win at the expense of the NorthPort Batang Pier.
Up against the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier, veteran RJ Jazul was simply unfazed.
Win no. 1 is finally secured for the Phoenix Fuel Masters after four losses in a row.
Jazul’s veteran presence and experience played a key role as the Fuel Masters claimed their biggest scalp of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, ending the unbeaten start of the NorthPort Batang Pier at five games, 115-109.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Donovan Smith-led Phoenix makes breakthrough, hands NorthPort first conference loss]
The longest tenured Phoenix player produced 14 markers, five assists, and three threes, providing crucial support to import Donovan Smith’s 32-point, 14-rebound double-double.
Entering the game, Jazul scored a total of 11 points but stepped up when needed the most.
“Hindi naman talaga 'yung scoring 'yung priority [ko]. Siguro ['yung] leadership, and composure lang sa loob ng court when up. After four games, I think we learned our lessons," the 38-year-old guard said in the aftermath of the win.
Head coach Jamike Jarin lauded the veteran’s steady game on the night they ended a 0-4 start.
“We’re at a hole at 0-4 and you got to give credit to the veterans, especially to our team captain in RJ Jazul for keeping it together,” Jarin bared.
He added: “This is big. You’re in a 0-4 [situation], you need to climb back."
In a game where both teams combined for 60 fouls and 77 free throw attempts, Phoenix was able to create a 16-point lead--although NorthPort staged a late rally but ran out of time.
The Fuel Masters will aim for win number two against the Converge FiberXers this Thursday, December 19.