MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix and NLEX shoot for a 2-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup when they battle separate opponents on Sunday as action continues at the Ynares Center in Montalbo, Rizal.
The Fuel Masters welcomed new coach Charles Tiu with a 101-98 shock win against the Magnolia Hotshots last Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Come Sunday, Phoenix will try to follow that up with another win against Titan Ultra, which the team faces at 5:15 p.m.
The main game features NLEX colliding with Magnolia at 7:30 p.m.
James Dickey debuted with solid stats line of 20 points and 26 rebounds, as he supplied the energy and all-around game for the Fuel Masters.
Tiu, who came in to replace Willy Wilson, said their immediate goal this conference is to steer Phoenix to the playoffs.
He’s got a loadful of talent in his team with Jason Perkins, who delivered 19 points against Magnolia, while vastly-improved Kai Ballungay and Ken Tuffin also came out with 12 points apiece in a balanced scoring attack.
Nuni Omot, who came in as a last-minute replacement for Terrell Brown-Soares, debuted for the Hotshots with 27 points.
If anything, Magnolia will have to double up defensively, knowing the team will face an NLEX side that will have Cady Lallane and high-scoring guard Robert Bolick leading the way.
Bolick scored 24 points, along with three rebounds, seven assists and four steals as he helped NLEX complete an 84-81 comeback win against Blackwater.
Lalanne also had a solid game with his 22-point, 16-rebound effort.