HK Eastern with solid PBA debut, romps Phoenix

Cameron Clark returned to the PBA with a bang. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA––Hong Kong Eastern introduced itself to the PBA with a solid 102-87 win against Phoenix in the nightcap of the Commissioner's Cup's opening day festivities on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Long Lions turned to their defense early on and held the Fuel Masters to only 14 points in the first quarter en route to a nine-point lead at the end of the period.

Phoenix recovered in the second quarter, dropping 31 points on Eastern to cut the lead to four, 49-45, at halftime.

The Long Lions bounced back in the second half and pulled away from there.

Hayden Blankley made 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks to lead Eastern, the guest team for this conference.

Cameron Clark led the team with 25 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Donovan Smith led Phoenix with 33 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals, while Jason Perkins added 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

The Scores :

EASTERN 102 – Clark 25, Blankley 18, Yang 13, Cheung 11, Lam 8, Cao 8, Xu 8, Guinchard 5, Leung 3, Chan 3, Sulaiman 0, Pok 0

PHOENIX 87 – Smith 33, Perkins 22, Rivero 10, Alejandro 8, Tuffin 4, Garcia 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 2, Tio 2, Jazul 1, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Ular 0, Muyang 0, Verano 0

QUARTERS: 23-14, 49-45, 77-65, 102-87

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