MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix played steady and combined it with defensive grit to hand Rain or Shine its first loss via an 87-83 decision on Tuesday in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Fuel Masters unleashed a 9-1 spurt during a critical four-minute stretch late in the game to shatter a 78-78 count and into an 87-79 lead on a dunk by James Dickey.
ROS made it 83-87 after scoring the next four points within the final one minute, but Phoenix made the important defensive stops from there to seal its fifth win in eight games.
The Fuel Masters occupy sixth spot, while the Elasto Painters dropped to 7-1.
While Jason Perkins and James Dickey led the way with 20 and 17 points, respectively.
It was guards Tyle Tio and Evan Nelle who spelled the difference as they combined for 28 points, while issuing five and eight assists, respectively.
Phoenix’s defense kept ROS from pushing the tempo with the Elasto Painters only shooting over 30 percent from the floor.
Adrian Nocum led ROS with 20 points, while import Jaylen Johnson was held down to just 12 points, on 5-of-25, while still pulling down 19 rebounds and seven assists, with six turnovers.
