TALK about role reversals.
Phoenix Super LPG dished out what Magnolia did so excellently in the first half to come away with a 103-85 Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena and extend their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals to at least another game.
Johnathan Williams and RJ Jazul took turns spearheading the Fuel Masters' second half surge, enabling them to fully put behind them a 21-point deficit and cruise to the win that whittled their deficit to 1-2 in the best-of-five duel with Game 4 on Wednesday set at the same venue.
"Coming into the second half we just told ourselves we weren't having fun and we were just too tight and we were just letting Magnolia do the things that they wanted to do," said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin after the victory.
"So we buckled down on defense and moved the ball and worked as unit both offensively and defensively," added Jarin. "Eventually, we caught up and executed and made some crucial baskets."
Sponsored content: Jazul starred the most during a pivotal 14-4 run, booming in three straight triples that gave the Fuel Masters an 85-71 lead and full control of the match in the face of the Hotshots' listless plays.
Jason Perkins, Javee Mocon, Sean Manganti and Kenneth Tuffin also delivered some crucial points for Phoenix as it notched a 100th win in franchise history while emphatically foiling Magnolia's bid for a three-game sweep.
The Hotshots seemed ready to make short work of the series, racing to a 40-19 lead and maintaining a 47-26 spread going to the last 5:26 of the second period.
Then Phoenix started stirring back into life, trimming the gap to 38-51 at the half before going on a 15-8 surge that gave it a 69-62 lead before settling for a 71-67 edge heading to the last 12 minutes of play.
"In the second quarter, during a timeout, I told them to just work on it. There's no such thing as a 21-point shot so the target was to get it down to around 14 or 15," related Jarin.
Sponsored content: "Fortunately, we were able to get it and we got out of locker room with fire in our eyes and were able to tie up the game and eventually take the lead."
Williams wound up with 19 points and 15 rebounds despite going scoreless in the opening quarter but scattered 11 in the third period that helped build up Phoenix's momentum
Jazul added 17 points while Manganti, Mocon and Tuffin tossed in 14 points apiece and Perkins 13 markers.
Tyler Bey led Magnolia with 18 points and 12 boards but committed six of the team's 13 turnovers. Paul Lee added 17 points, Calvin Abueva had a near-triple double of 14 and nine boards before fouling out with still 5:27 to go while Ian Sangalang chipped in 10 points. (NC)
The Scores:
PHOENIX 103 - Williams 19, Jazul 17, Manganti 14, Tuffin 14, Mocon 14, Perkins 13, Rivero 6, Tio 4, Verano 2, Muyang 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho.
MAGNOLIA 85 - Bey 18, Lee 17, Abueva 14, Sangalang 10, Barroca 7, Ahanmisi 6, JReavis 4, alalon 4, Dela Rosa 2, Dionisio 2, Mendoza 0, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0.
QUARTERS: 17-31, 38-51, 71-67, 103-85
