PBA: Ricci Rivero erupts for 40 as Phoenix snaps Terrafirma's dream start

Ricci Rivero exploded for 40 points to help Phoenix end Terrafirma's dream run. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Ricci Rivero caught fire as Phoenix bounced back from its previous loss to Meralco by handing Terrafirma its first defeat in the PBA Commissioner's Cup through a 133-105 beating on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Rivero dropped a career-high 40 points on the erstwhile unbeaten Dyip, going 14-of-22 from the field, including 7-of-9 on three-pointers as the Fuel Masters exploded in the last three quarters to pull away.

Rivero actually had a solid all-around game as he too tallied six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals for Phoenix, which tied its victim at 3-1.

Ef Escandor added 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, five rebounds, and two assists, while James Dickey and Evan Nelle each put up 14 markers.

Dickey also had 13 boards, while Nelle went 4-for-4 from long range.

Matthew Daves also had a perfect game with eight points on 3-of-3 field goals with one assist and one block.

Jerrick Ahanmisi carried the fight for Terrafirma with 37 points on 15-of-24 shooting, two rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Ali Mubashar, who has been solid in the team's impressive 3-0 start, was held to only 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting and forced to six turnovers, although he too had 17 rebounds and two assists.