Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero (with ball) drives through the guts of the Terrafirma defense. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Phoenix reeled in Donovan Smith not only as a reinforcement for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but additionally as an extension of its braintrust, in line with head coach Jamike Jarin.
And he truly looked the part on when the Fuel Masters, who’ve lost five of their first six games within the tournament, dismantled Terrafirma, 122-108, Tuesday night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
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“Just holding guys accountable and having guys hold me accountable as well on each side of the ground—I feel like that’s the most important reason why we won today because we played together for 48 minutes,” the American big man said shortly after the competition that had the petrol club rising to 2-5 (win-loss) within the standings.
“We are available in and work day-after-day with the identical attitude, no matter if we might have won five straight or if we would love we lost [it all],” he went on.
Smith starred with 37 points, seven rebounds and five blocks—his all-around performance rubbing off on teammates Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay, who all finished with twin-digit scores.
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Phoenix rolled its sleeves within the second period, outscoring the winless Dyip 31-13 in that frame. The Fuel Masters then held on for the win that they hoped would pave the best way for more victories as they tried to forget their laughable begin to the conference.
“We cannot implode,” said Jarin, whose squad could have streaking Rain or Shine, perennial bridesmaid Magnolia, NLEX, Blackwater after which TNT left on their schedule.
“We just need to stay together, stay positive, since you saw the games against Meralco, Converge, Ginebra, and [Hong Kong] Eastern—we were leading. It was just, like what we’ve at all times said, a matter of closing out.”
Romeo still absent
Terrafirma got the products from import Brandon Edwards, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Louie Sangalang paced the team’s locals with 22 points as fellow kids Brent Paraiso, Mark Nonoy and Kemark Cariño all delivered no less than 11 points each in a losing stand that kept them winless in eight meetings.
And with Terrence Romeo still not back in harness, the Dyip’s future doesn’t seem like it’s going to alter for the higher. The previous league-scoring champion was in street clothes through the match.
Terrafirma has 4 games left, two of them against powerhouses Magnolia and TNT. The Dyip even have yet to play visiting Hong Kong. INQ
