PBA: Phoenix rises in Q4 to trip NLEX

Johnathan Williams led the way for Phoenix despite an error-prone PBA debut. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Phoenix rose to the occasion in the final quarter to take down NLEX, 113-101, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Fuel Masters turned the tides in the fourth period, outscoring the Road Warriors, 35-15, to steal the win.

In total, Phoenix outscored NLEX, 64-41, in the second half following the latter's 35-22 blast in the second quarter.

Despite committing eight turnovers, Johnathan Williams led the Fuel Masters with 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while Jjay Alejandro added 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc off the bench.

Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero made good accounts of their respective PBA debuts, tallying 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Thomas Robinson came close to a rare 5x5 with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and four steals to lead the Road Warriors, but he had 10 turnovers as well.

Don Trollano chipped in 20 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Richie Rodger had a quiet two points and one rebound in his PBA debut.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 113 – Williams 26, Alejandro 18, Tio 17, Tuffin 16, Rivero 15, Mocon 11, Jazul 5, Muyang 3, Daves 2, Soyud 0, Camacho 0, Perkins 0, Verano 0, Manganti 0

NLEX 101 – Robinson 26, Trollano 20, Alas 18, Anthony 15, Semerad 9, Nieto 6, Marcelo 3, Rodger 2, Miranda 2, Rosales 0, Herndon 0

QUARTERS: 27-25, 49-60, 78-86, 113-101

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