AFTER a breakthrough win over NLEX the last time out, Phoenix Super LPG roared on and claimed a big upset with a 101-93 win over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
Just like in their 111-97 disposal of the Road Warriors, import Kaleb Wesson, veterans Sean Anthony, RJ Jazul and Jvee Mocon and youngsters Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano put up a good effort together, denying Ginebra a third straight win after swashbuckling triumphs over Meralco and the Bay Area Dragons.
The Fuel Masters watched each other's back and were hardly intimidated by Justin Brownlee and the high-profiled Ginebra locals.
"It all boils down to trust. We're trying to create an environment in our team where mistakes are allowed. It gives them confidence, like Encho Serrano. They're playing their hearts out," said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson.
Mocon fired a team-high 20 points, Tyler Tio added 17, Serrano chipped in 16 and Wesson (15 markers and 17 rebounds) and Anthony (14 and 13) had double-double numbers for the Fuel Masters who are now on a roll after dropping their first three games against NorthPort, Blackwater and the Bay Area Dragons.
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Tio, a former Ateneo hotshot making mark early in the pros, narrowly missed a double-double as he also collected seven assists and one rebound against two errors in 38 minutes of action.
"Like I said in the last game, it comes from the confidence coach Topex is giving me. And it's not just the coaching staff but also the veterans. That's what we have at Phoenix," said Tio. "It comes down to opportunity. Coach Topex is giving me that and I want to repay his trust."
Stanley Pringle top scored with 25 points while Brownlee came through with 23 markers, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Gin Kings who took command early but faltered at crunch time.
Shrugging off a flat start, the Fuel Masters made it a close game at the half and seized control, 96-86, on a key run at the start of the fourth.
The Fuel Masters started badly, missing all of their first nine field-goal attempts. (SB)
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The Scores:
Phoenix 101 - Mocon 20, Tio 17, Serrano 16, Wesson 15, Anthony 14, Jazul 7, Manganti 5, Garcia 3, Pascual 2, Lojera 2, Camacho 0, Muyang 0, Lalata 0.
Ginebra 93 - Pringle 25, Brownlee 23, Malonzo 13, Thompson 11, J.Aguilar 7, Tenorio 7, Standhardinger 6, Gray 1, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0.
Quarters: 16-23, 45-48, 74-77, 101-93.
