THE Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters crawled all the way back from an 14-point deficit in the fourth period to trounce the reeling Magnolia Hotshots, 91-84, in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, October 23, 2020, at the AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Pampanga.
Magnolia had Phoenix on the ropes before the Fuel Masters found their second wind and went on a remarkable 22-0 run that was capped off by three-pointers by RJ Jazul, Justin Chua and JC Intal to give them an 89-80 lead with 1:39 to go.
Magnolia pulled to within five, 84-89, after a deuce by Rome dela Rosa but RR Garcia secured the victory with a layup of his own for a 91-84 Phoenix lead with just 34 ticks remaining in the game.
Matthew Wright led the way for Phoenix with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jason Perkins also played a crucial role in the win as he had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds while Chua had 14 points, eight boards, three dimes and two blocks.
RR Garcia came off the bench and gave the Fuel Masters a lift with his 12 points.
Phoenix now totes a 3-2 (win-loss) record while Magnolia lost its third in a row to drop to 2-3.
Chris Banchero paced Purefoods with 20 points, while Ian Sangalang added 15. (JNP)