MANILA, Philippines — Ricci Rivero unloaded a PBA career-best 40 points as he led Phoenix to a 133-105 lynching of Terrafirma on Wednesday in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center.
The former La Salle and University of the Philippines star, knocked dlwn shot 7-of-9 from downtown, which enabled the Fuel Masters to take complete control from the game from the second quarter onwards en route to the lopsided win.
The win enabled Phoenix to pull even with Terrafirma at 3-1, with the Dyip absorbing their first loss after rattling three straight wins to begin the conference.
Rivero added six rebounds and eight assists for Phoenix, which collected 20 markers from Francis Escandor.
Import James Dickey finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Even Nelle added 14 while big man Prince Caperal had 11 for the Fuel Masters.
Jerrick Ahanmis led the Dyip with 37 points, while import Ali Mubashar was held down to just 13 on 4-of-13 shooting from the floor.
The Terrafirma reinforcement came into the game averaging 33 points.