PBA: Phoenix weathers Blackwater's Q4 storm for 1st win

Brandone Francis nearly scored a triple-double for Phoenix. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Phoenix survived a comeback bid from Blackwater in the fourth quarter to finally score a win in the PBA Governors' Cup, a 119-114 decision on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

RR Garcia put up 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting as he took charge for the Fuel Masters in the fourth quarter to keep them in control amid the Bossing's runs.

"Ginampanan ko lang [yung role ko]," said Garcia, who was a great complement for Brandone Francis.

Francis led Phoenix, which snapped a seven-game losing streak to start the conference, with 23 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and one steal.

The team must now need to win its remaining two games including a blowout against NLEX to have a chance to steal a quarterfinal spot.

George King put up 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block for Blackwater, which dropped to 3-5.

Sedrick Barefield added 30 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while James Kwekuteye made 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno