Phoenix ends Rain or Shine’s unbeaten run

Sports

THE Phoenix Fuel Masters posted what was by far their biggest win in the tournament when they took down the erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 87-83, in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night, April 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

James Dickey III, Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero, and Evan Nelle connived forces in Phoenix’s massive win that shoved them to the upper part of the team standings.

Scoring a good follow-up of its 125-108 win over the Blackwater Bossing last Friday, Phoenix moved to sixth spot in the team standings with a 5-3 (win-loss) record, closely trailing the Meralco Bolts, TNT Tropang 5G, and Barangay Ginebra Kings, who all sport 5-2 ledgers.

Despite the loss, Rain or Shine remained atop the standings with a 7-1 record.

Perkins emerged as Phoenix’s top scorer with 20 points while Dickey posted a double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds. Tio pitched in 16 points while Nelle and Rivero tossed in 12 and 11, respectively.

The normally high-scoring Elasto Painters struggled to get points with import Jaylen Johnson scoring just 12 points.

Adrian Nocum led Rain or Shine with 20 points.

THE SCORES:

PHOENIX (87) - Perkins 20, Dickey III 17, Tio 16, Nelle 12, Rivero 11, Delos Santos 4, Tuffin 3, Santos 2, Escandor 2, Ynot 0, Daves 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (83) - Nocum 20, Johnson 12, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 9, Asistio 6, David 6, Roque 5, Tiongson 5, Villegas 3, Malonzo 2, Santillan 2, Caracut 2, Manaytay 0.QUARTERSCORES: 16-18, 29-44, 61-64, 87-83.(CCM)