BRANDONE Francis and RR Garcia acted out the firemen's role that enabled Phoenix Super LPG to book its first win in the PBA Governors Cup via a 119-114 decision over Blackwater Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Francis scored all seven of his fourth quarter points in the last 49 seconds, enabling the Fuel Masters to fully fend off the challenge of the Bossing, who clawed back from a 20-point third quarter deficit to make it a tight game.
An equally vital role was played by Garcia, who scattered 16 of his 20 points in the payoff quarter with the bulk coming after Blackwater came within 98-102, still 6:42 left in the game.
In the end, Phoenix finally snapped out of a 0-7 start in Group B, still in last place, but its hopes of tying for a quarterfinals spot still mathematically possible if it wins its remaining games against Barangay Ginebra and NLEX.
A breakthrough win does not change anything in his Fuel Masters' mindset of going all-out in each game, according to coach Jamike Jarin.
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"As long as we got some schedules, games to be played, we will continue playing our best," said Jarin. "So we're gonna come out in our next game well prepared and going for a win."
Garcia said he simply wanted to grant Jarin's wish for a breakthrough. "Kahapon... request sa amin ni coach na bigyan siya ng panalo ngayon," related the 34-year-old guard. "Iyon lang nasa isip ko kaya iyon 'yung motivation sa akin."
The loss, its second straight that dropped it at 3-5, dealt a big blow to Blackwater's own hopes of gaining inclusion among the top four from the group advancing to the next round following the 10-game eliminations.
For the Bossing to advance, they must prevail over San Miguel Beer on Saturday and also against Rain or Shine two days later to advance.
After scoring just 21 points in a 98-112 loss to Ginebra, George King regained some of his touch with 32 points on top of 10 rebounds. But he went scoreless in the fourth period.
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Sedrick Barefield and James Kwekuteye took it upon themselves to carry the scoring load in the final quarter by combining for 28 points. The rookie even boomed in a four-pointer to make it a 114-117 count.
But Francis canned two charities that made it a safe five-point game going to the last three seconds of play. (NC)
The Scores :
PHOENIX 119 - Francis 23, Garcia 20, Perkins 19, Rivero 14, Ballungay 12, Tio 7, Ular 5, Tuffin 5, Jazul 4, Soyud 3, Manganti 3, Muyang 2, Salado 2, Verano 0, Alejandro 0.
BLACKWATER 114 - King 32, Barefield 30, Kwekuteye 20, Rosario 10, Escoto 10, Ilagan 4, Chua 3, Suerte 3, David 2, Micthell 0, Casio 0.
QUARTERS: 30-29, 64-47, 90-78, 119-114
