Phoenix keeps huge lead vs. Terrafirma despite Du'Vaughn Maxwell's ejection en route to skid snapper

Chris Lalata soars for the dunk. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Phoenix preserved its second-quarter blast despite losing Du'Vaughn Maxwell midway through the third and clobbered Terrafirma, 125-100, in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters pulled away for good from the Dyip in the second quarter after outscoring them, 35-21, en route to a 64-45 halftime lead.

Maxwell, however, was sent off with 6:32 left in the third period after he was charged with a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1, which came after he was whistled for a technical foul earlier in the game.

Despite losing the opposing import, Terrafirma could not capitalize on it, and Phoenix even stretched its lead to as high as 31 points, 93-62, later in the third before eventually settling for the 25-point win.

Maxwell still ended up as the Fuel Masters' top scorer with 20 points alongside 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

However, Jason Perkins and the returning Javee Mocon stepped up for his absence as they added 14 and 12 points, respectively, as they snapped a two-game slide and tied their victims at 2-5.

Juami Tiongson put up 27 points, four rebounds, and three assists for the Dyip, who have now lost three straight games.

Jordan Williams, who has been explosive all conference long, was held to just 14 markers with 10 boards and two dimes against three turnovers.

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