ENCHO Serrano came off the bench to provide 18 points and much more as Phoenix Super LPG extended its winning streak to four with a 92-83 mastery of Rain or Shine Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
In a game where usual leading scorers Javee Mocon and Tyler Tio struggled and import Kaleb Wesson saddled by fouls, Serrano gamely picked up the cudgels and even scored six straight points in the endgame that enabled the Fuel Masters to fully dispel the Elasto Painters' threat.
The second-round pick in last May's Rookie Draft said it's all about him now learning how to handle the pressure with constant guidance from coach Topex Robinson. "Siguro 'yung challenge na ibinibigay niya sa amin parang na-o-overcome ko na," stated Serrano.
"Less pressure na ngayon kasi hinahayaan niya akong maglaro. Every time na ipapasok ako gusto niya aggressive ako. Kaya ayun, lumalabas laro ko," added the high-flying guard who shot 7-of-10 from the field and also had five rebounds and as many assists.
Robinson, whose team has now fully overcome a 0-3 start to the mid-season tournament, said Serrano's performance typified his charges' mind-set going to the game.
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"We know it was gonna be a physical game," said Robinson, who once played for Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao while they were still with Red Bull. "I've been with coach Yeng and he always put so much emphasis on being mentally tough."
That fortitude sure was needed. Despite falling behind by as much as 50-68 in the third period, Rain or Shine refused to give up and even unleashed a 12-2 run to pull within 78-83, only to see Serrano turn a Sean Anthony dish into a left corner 3.
Steve Taylor's freebies and Gian Mamuyac's own triple even pushed the E-Painters within 83-86, but Serrano converted on a difficult drive and then followed that up with a charity split to give the Fuel Masters more separation, 89-83.
Wesson and RJ Jazul then took Phoenix home through their respective free throws as Rain or Shine ultimately wound up going 0-for-4 from the field in the last 1:15 of the game.
Wesson picked up his fifth foul with still 10:41 left in the game and rode the bench until the final 2:56 mark but still topscored with 21 points, 17 rebounds, four rebounds and five shot blocks.
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Mocon and Tio combined for only 10 points but RJ Jazul also helped pick up the slack along with fellow veterans Anthony and Jake Padcual along with Sean Manganti.
Taylor's 16 points and game-high 19 rebounds led Rain or Shine, which also drew 14 points from Mamuyac and 12 from Rey Nambatac but still dropped to 3-4.
The Scores:
Phoenix 92 - Wesson 21, Serrano 18, Jazul 11, Anthony 9, Pascual 8, Manganti 7, Mocon 5, Tio 5, Rios 4, Adamos 2, Robles 2, Camacho 0, Lojera 0, Lalata 0, Garcia 0.
Rain or Shine 83 - Taylor Jr. 16, Mamuyac 14, Nambatac 12, Asistio 9, Belga 8, Caracut 5, Demusis 5, Norwood 5, Ponferrada 5, Santillan 2, Borboran 2, Nieto 0.
Quarters: 19-22, 48-42, 72-59, 92-83
