PBA: Phoenix stuns NLEX to keep playoff hopes alive

RJ Jazul led the way anew for Phoenix as they look to sneak into the quarterfinal picture. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

TIAONG--Phoenix began its last dash to clinch a quarterfinal spot in the PBA Philippine Cup by dealing NLEX a shock 112-77 beating on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

In the league's first game at the said arena since starting the 2021-2022 Governors' Cup inside a bubble there, the Fuel Masters steadily stomped their dominance against the Road Warriors before finishing them off with a 33-15 fourth quarter.

RJ Jazul led Phoenix, which moved up to 3-5, a half-game behind Terrafirma for eighth place, with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Ken Tuffin added 17 points on 7-of-9 field goals including a perfect 3-for-3 shooting from three-point range, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Enoch Valdez put up 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block off the bench for NLEX, which fell to 5-3 as its bid for a once-to-advance edge in the quarterfinals hit another snag.

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