After a mere escape act with the help of a controversial call, Phoenix Pulse pulled off a decisive triumph and put a lock on a playoff berth in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City last night.
The Fuel Masters played a hot-octane game all night and rolled past the Alaska Milk Aces, 94-80, for a seventh win against a lone loss.
Coach Louie Alas and his troops scored a follow-up to their 98-96 nail-biter over the NorthPort Batang Pier Wednesday, ahead of a killer stretch where they are up against SMC's three powerhouse teams.
The Fuel Masters will try to continue to get going in chase of a Top Two finish for a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals.
Terribly off from a two-week break, Alaska suffered a second loss in four starts, with tremendous beating curiously from former Aces Calvin Abueva and RJ Jazul.
Sponsored content: Abueva dominated with a big double-double game with 21 points and 16 rebounds while Jazul sparkled with five three-pointers and a total of 19 markers.
Highly emotional, Abueva flexed his muscles, blew kisses and showed other antics after each of his superb play, leading Phoenix back on top in a tie with Rain or Shine.
But he showed love to his former teammates, tapping or hugging each one of them after the lopsided match.
The Aces took the lead only in the initial burst of action, then the Fuel Masters raced ahead and pulled away.
Abueva himself knocked in a three-pointer, giving the Fuel Masters their biggest lead at 74-53 at the end of the third period.
Sponsored content: The Fuel Masters outscored the Aces in each of the first three
quarters before slowing down a bit in the closing minutes.
Matthew Wright had his sterling performance with 20 points while Justin Chua contributed with 11 markers, six boards and one assist.
Jeron Teng flirted with a near double-double with 23 points and nine rebounds for the Alaska side still badly crippled minus Vic Manuel, Jvee Casio and Kevin Racal.(SB)
The scores:
Phoenix 94 - Abueva 21, Wright 20, Jazul 18, Chua 11, Mallari 9, Perkins 6, Mendoza 4, Guevarra 3, Kramer 2, Revilla 0, Marcelo 0, Gamboa 0, Napoles 0, Dennison 0.
Alaska 80 - Teng 23, Ayaay 13, Cruz 10, Pascual 8, Enciso 7, Exciminiano 6, Banchero 4, Galliguez 4, Baclao 3, Thoss 2, Andrada 0.
Quarters: 29-22, 51-40, 74-53, 94-80.
