December 05, 2017

Phoenix subdues Alaska, 89-85

PHOENIX broke away at the midway point of the fourth quarter and held off Alaska's late charge for an 89-85 victory in their PBA preseason game held Tuesday at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas.

Justin Chua, Matthew Wright and LA Revilla scored during an 11-0 run as Phoenix turned a 71-all tie with 6:48 remaining into an 82-71 lead, 2:39 left, before brushing off Alaska's string of three-pointers late to win its first game of the three-day preseason series composed of five teams.

Wright had 17 points and four assists, Chua delivered 11 points and seven rebounds while Joseph Eriobu fell short of a double-double with 10 points and nine boards for the Fuel Masters, whose coach Louie Alas faced the team he used to serve as an assistant.

The Fuel Masters, who played minus Jeff Chan, bounced back from a 95-91 loss to Rain or Shine in the opener of the preseason series Monday.

Calvin Abueva finished with 22 points for the Aces, who lost their second straight game after a 106-100 setback to the NLEX Road Warriors.

Sponsored content:
Aces coach Alex Compton rested Jvee Casio while Sonny Thoss, Ping Exciminiano and JP Mendoza sat out due to minor injuries.

Rookie Jeron Teng and Abel Galliguez hit three triples to pull Alaska within two, 87-85, but Wright sealed the deal with two foul shots, six seconds to go. (JT)