Charles Tiu successful in PBA head coaching debut as Phoenix nips Magnolia

James Dickey had a 20-20 in his PBA debut. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Charles Tiu won his first game as a PBA head coach, leading Phoenix to a 101-98 victory against Magnolia in their Friday night showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Although the Hotshots put up a fight in the end, the Fuel Masters still ended up victorious as the latter's new era started on a high note.

Phoenix was on its way to a blowout as it opened a 92-79 lead with 5:11 left that prompted coach LA Tenorio to use his last full timeout.

Magnolia somehow responded well after the timeout as the team cut the lead down to two, 98-96, with 52 seconds left.

The club then forced a stop after forcing James Dickey to a tough shot that he missed, but they could not secure the rebound properly, giving the ball back to Phoenix.

Evan Nelle made the most of the Fuel Masters' repossession of the ball and scored on a layup to up their lead to four, 100-96, with 17.4 seconds left.

Jerom Lastimosa, who has been a vital player in the clutch for the Hotshots, found himself with some space for a four-point shot, but his potential equalizer only hit the board, and Dickey secured the rebound.

JC Cullar then upped the lead to two possessions with a split from the foul line with 7.8 seconds left, and Nuni Omot opted for a quick dunk that cut the gap back to three with three seconds to go.

Magnolia tried to force a five-second inbound violation, but Phoenix was able to pass the ball in time and ran the clock.

Dickey had a monster game of 20 points, 26 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal for the Fuel Masters, while Jason Perkins added 19 points and three rebounds off the bench.

Omot, which only came in two days ago, still led Magnolia with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal, although he too committed five turnovers.