Phoenix sends Blackwater back to earth with blowout

Calvin Abueva helped the Fuel Masters remain unbeaten. PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Phoenix quickly sent Blackwater back to earth with a 114-95 rout in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday night.

The Fuel Masters pummeled the Elite from the get-go, closing the first quarter up, 37-18, before stretching their lead to as high as 37 points, 85-48, in the third quarter and never looking back.

Calvin Abueva made 22 points, converting on nine of 13 field goal attempts, together with 14 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for Phoenix, which remained the lone unbeaten team in the team standings at 4-0.

The team prevented Blackwater from ending an unbeaten run for the second straight game.

Matt Wright added 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and five steals, although he somehow struggled, only scoring one made triple out of seven attempts and committing seven turnovers.

Abu Tratter had his best game so far in his maiden PBA journey, dropping 24 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and four steals for the Elite, who fell to 1-3.

Fellow rookie Paul Desiderio also up an impressive game, making 12 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal.

Mac Belo, on the other hand, showed that he is getting his groove again, scoring 13 markers, nine boards, four dimes, two swipes, and one block.

The scores:

Phoenix 114 - Abueva 22, Wright 19, Perkins 15, Chua 12, Mallari 12, Jazul 11, Mendoza 10, Intal 3, Kramer 3, Dennison 3, Revilla 2, Napoles 2, Marcelo 0, Guevarra 0, Gamboa 0.

Blackwater 95 - Tratter 24, Belo 13, Maliksi 12, Desiderio 12, Javier 8, Digregorio 5, Cortez 5, Palma 4, Dario 4, Banal 3, Sumang 2, Eriobu 2, Sena 1, Jose 0, Alolino 0.

Quarters: 37-18, 66-42, 90-62, 114-95

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