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| Phoenix stays alive in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals. Dennis Acosta |
PASAY--Phoenix lived to fight another day in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after storming back to take down Magnolia, 103-85, in Game 3 of their series on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Just when the Hotshots looked poised already to sweep the best-of-five affair midway through the second quarter, the Fuel Masters finished the second quarter strong and even pulled away in the second half.
Similar to Game 2 on Friday night, Magnolia opened Game 3 efficiently offensively and dropped 31 points on Phoenix at the end of the first quarter.
The Hotshots then pulled away early in the second quarter and opened a 47-26 lead with 5:26 remaining before halftime.
The Fuel Masters, though, finished the second period on a 12-4 run to cut the lead down to 13, 51-38, at the half.
Phoenix completed the comeback in the second half after outscoring Magnolia, 65-34.
Johnathan Williams led the Fuel Masters, who cut the series down to 2-1, with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
RJ Jazul added 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Tyler Bey put up 18 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one block, and three steals for the Hotshots, who have another chance at finishing the Fuel Masters in Game 4 on Wednesday night back at the MOA Arena.
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