Phoenix saw itself stay in the win column by claiming its second straight victim in Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Phoenix ace Jason Perkins took his time before deciding to attack Rain or Shine defender Leonard Santillan from the left elbow.
But just when Perkins thought he would get away with the layup, Jhonard Clarito soared from behind to block the shot.
Fortunately for the Fuel Masters, Kenneth Tuffin came out of nowhere and drilled the game-winning putback that allowed them to pull off a 93-91 shocker over Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin could not help but feel happy as his wards scored back-to-back victories for the first time in the conference for a 3-5 slate.
“Like what you’re saying, it’s a big win. Any win in this conference, in this league, is very big,” said Jarin during the post-game presser at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
“First winning streak this conference. We’re just happy and very proud.”
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Tuffin finished with eight points, seven rebounds and an assist.
Asked about how Tuffin was important to the team chasing a playoff spot in this topsy-turvy conference, Jarin offered a different perspective.
“Donovan Smith is very important. Tyler Tio is very important. All of our players are very important. It’s always a collective effort,” Jarin said.
Kenneth Tuffin nails the game-winner for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their match against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Indeed, it was a collective effort for the squad, with five Fuel Masters scoring in double figures.
Donovan Smith led Phoenix with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and the same number of blocks, and Tyler Tio earned the Player of the Game nod with 16 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals to his name.
RR Garcia put up a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Perkins and Jazul added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
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Phoenix almost squandered an 87-80 advantage with under four minutes left after the Elasto Painters went on a 9-4 run behind Adrian Nocum, Santillan and Andrei Caracut that allowed them to threaten at 91-89.
With under a minute remaining, Clarito launched a jumper that got the friendly bounce to tie the game. But Rain or Shine just could not complete the comeback to see its five-game win run halted.
Import Deon Thompson paced the Elasto Paintgers with 22 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and five steals, while Santillan added 19 markers and five boards.
Nocum and Clarito wound up with 16 and 11, respectively.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 93 – Smith 22, Tio 16, Garcia 14, Perkins 12, Jazul 11, Ballungay 8, Tuffin 8, Daves 2, Verano 0, Muyang 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0, Ular 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 91 – Thompson 22, Santillan 19, Nocum 16, Clarito 11, Caracut 8, Datu 7, Belga 5, Demusis 3, Malonzo 0, Asistio 0, Ildefonso 0, Norwood 0.
Quarterscores: 17-18, 50-46, 70-71, 93-91