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Tag: Phoenix Fuel Masters

  • Phoenix escapes Meralco rally, stays Perfect at 2-0 behind Kenneth Tuffin’s late heroics 

    Phoenix escapes Meralco rally, stays Perfect at 2-0 behind Kenneth Tuffin’s late heroics 

    Phoenix proved that surviving close finishes can be just as valuable as building big leads, escaping with a razor-thin 98-97 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Thursday.

     

    The Fuel Masters looked headed for a comfortable win after racing to a commanding 37-22 advantage in the opening period. But instead of cruising, they found themselves in a tense finish as the Bolts slowly chipped away at the deficit and even grabbed control in the closing minutes.

    With the game hanging in the balance, Kenneth Tuffin stepped into the spotlight.

     

    The left-handed forward calmly knocked down two pressure-filled free throws with 13.4 seconds remaining to put Phoenix ahead, 98-97. From there, the Fuel Masters’ defense delivered when it mattered most, forcing CJ Cansino into a difficult layup attempt that failed to drop with under five seconds left.

     

    Jason Perkins secured the defensive rebound before tossing the ball away as the final buzzer sounded, triggering celebrations from the Phoenix bench after narrowly avoiding a collapse.

     

    Tuffin earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Perkins contributed 13 points and six boards in another balanced effort for Phoenix.

     

    The Fuel Masters improved to a spotless 2-0 record in Group B and now shift their attention to a highly anticipated showdown against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, where they will look to stretch their unbeaten start.

     

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    Meralco, despite playing without an import, pushed Phoenix to the limit after a determined comeback led by several key contributors.

     

    Cansino paced the Bolts with 18 points, while Allein Maliksi erupted for 16 points. Fifteen of Maliksi’s points came in the second quarter, helping Meralco erase much of the early 15-point deficit.

     

    Brandon Bates controlled the paint with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, while veterans Cliff Hodge and Raymond Almazan added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    The Bolts appeared poised to steal the game when Bates split his free throws with 1:19 left, giving Meralco a 97-94 lead. However, the missed second attempt proved costly as Phoenix answered through trips to the foul line by Tuffin and import Johnson, while the defense strung together critical stops, including two defensive stands against Chris Newsome.

     

    The defining sequence came on Meralco’s final possession, with Cansino attempting a high-banked layup for the lead that bounced away, allowing Phoenix to escape with the victory.

     

    “This is a game where somehow we got lucky with Meralco not having an import, and we didn’t want to let it slip away,” said Tiu.

     

    Phoenix now prepares for a marquee clash against reigning Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra on July 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, aiming to remain unbeaten through three games.

     

    Meanwhile, Meralco will continue its search for its first victory of the conference when it takes on Rain or Shine this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where replacement import Antonio Hester is expected to make his debut.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    After falling short in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters are determined to make a stronger push in the upcoming Governors’ Cup, which officially tips off on July 10.


    One of the team’s key players, Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero, enters the season-ending conference carrying bigger expectations after showing flashes of becoming one of the league’s premier local scorers.

     

    His performance in the Commissioner’s Cup drew praise from Fuel Masters head coach Charles Tiu, who believes Rivero is beginning to embrace a larger responsibility within the team’s system.

    “Ricci’s been getting there. He knows the role I have for him and what I expect of him so I’m hoping he’ll be up for the challenge,” Tiu said.

     

    Rivero carried much of Phoenix’s offensive workload throughout the previous conference, delivering timely scoring performances whenever the team needed a lift.

     

    “Obviously, I want him to be a bit more consistent. That’s a challenge for him if he really wants to be considered as a star of this league, he has to be that on both ends,” he added.

     

    Unfortunately, Rivero’s campaign was cut short after suffering a finger injury, forcing him to miss the latter stages of the import-laden tournament.

     

    “He’s shown flashes of what he can be but he also showed areas where he’s just okay but hopefully, he shows that he can be consistent.”

     

    For Tiu, consistency remains the final piece for Rivero to elevate his game to another level.

     

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    Rivero is expected to spearhead Phoenix’s backcourt once again alongside Tyler Tio, while former NBA veteran BJ Johnson takes over as the Fuel Masters’ import for the Governors’ Cup.

     

    Another boost for the Fuel Masters is the return of veteran big man Justin Chua, who rejoins Phoenix after spending the past several seasons with TNT Tropang 5G. Chua’s familiarity with the Phoenix system gives the Fuel Masters another experienced presence as they aim to make a deeper run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. 

     

    The upcoming conference presents a fresh opportunity for Rivero to build on what was arguably his most productive stretch in the PBA. 

     

    During the Commissioner’s Cup, the former UAAP standout emerged as one of Phoenix’s most reliable local options and even erupted for a career-high 40 points in one game, the highest scoring performance by a Filipino player during the conference. 

     

    That offensive explosion showed Rivero’s ability to take over games and gave Phoenix another dependable weapon alongside its veterans.

     

    Beyond the scoring numbers, Rivero also made his presence felt in the Best Player of the Conference race, finishing among the leading local performers in the statistical standings despite missing games because of injury. 

     

    His all-around contributions on offense and defense have reinforced the coaching staff’s confidence that he can become one of the franchise’s cornerstone players if he sustains that level of play throughout an entire conference.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, Phoenix hopes greater continuity and improved health will translate into better results after its Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended earlier than expected.

     

    With Johnson expected to anchor the import duties, Chua’s expected defense and rebounding and the backcourt tandem of Rivero and Tyler Tio leading the locals, the Fuel Masters believe they have enough firepower to compete for a deeper playoff run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Two PBA teams that fell short of deep playoff runs last conference are hoping a change—or in one case, a reunion—at the import position will provide the spark they need in the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.


    Phoenix Super LPG has entrusted its campaign to former NBA guard BJ Johnson, while Converge has opted for familiarity by bringing back high-scoring American swingman Jalen Hudson as both franchises look to climb the standings in the import-laden conference.

     

    Phoenix officially unveiled Johnson as its reinforcement, adding a versatile wing with experience across the NBA, the G League, and several overseas leagues.

     

    The 6-foot-7 Johnson went undrafted in 2018 after a productive collegiate career at La Salle University in Louisiana but earned opportunities in the NBA through his athleticism and defensive versatility. 

     

    He suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic, while also spending time in the NBA G League, where he developed a reputation as a reliable two-way player capable of defending multiple positions and contributing offensively.

     

    Beyond the NBA, Johnson has built an extensive international résumé with stints in leagues across Europe and Asia, giving him valuable experience adapting to different styles of play—an asset Phoenix hopes will translate quickly to the PBA.

     

    The Fuel Masters are looking for that veteran presence after seeing their Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign end in the quarterfinals. Phoenix finished the eliminations with a 6-6 record before its playoff run was halted by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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    While Phoenix turns to a fresh face, Converge is welcoming back a player who already has a memorable chapter in PBA history.

     

    The FiberXers officially announced on Wednesday, July 1, that Hudson will return to the Philippines three years after his lone PBA stint.

     

    The 30-year-old first played in the league during the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, suiting up for TNT and helping the Tropang Giga post a 5-1 record during his six-game run. Despite the strong start, TNT eventually replaced him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who went on to lead the franchise to the conference championship with a Finals victory over Barangay Ginebra.

     

    Hudson, however, left behind one of the most explosive individual performances of that conference.

     

    Ironically, his finest outing came against the very team he will now represent. He erupted for 56 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists as TNT defeated Converge, 128-122, showcasing the offensive firepower that convinced the FiberXers to bring him back.

     

    Since his previous PBA stint, Hudson has continued his professional career overseas, most recently playing for the Hefei Storm in China. He has also suited up for clubs in Türkiye, Italy, Israel, Greece, and Germany.

     

    Before taking his talents abroad, Hudson spent the 2019-20 season with the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, after going undrafted.

     

    He now joins a revamped Converge roster featuring Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Abueva, and Mikey Williams as the FiberXers aim to return to playoff contention.

    Converge is coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign after finishing with a 5-7 record, a mark that left the team outside the postseason picture.

     

    With Johnson providing Phoenix a new weapon and Hudson returning to a familiar stage, both clubs are hoping their import decisions will translate into improved results when the Governors’ Cup tips off.

     

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  • Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    The cast is finally complete for the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs — and the road to the championship immediately offers no easy passage for anyone.

     

    Even teams armed with twice-to-beat advantages are entering the quarterfinals knowing one bad night could completely shift the balance of the tournament.

     

    Among the biggest storylines heading into Friday’s playoff opener at the Ynares Center Antipolo is the dangerous collision between the third-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the battle-tested San Miguel Beermen.

     

    On paper, Rain or Shine owns the advantage after securing a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat incentive. But against a franchise built on championship pedigree, the cushion feels far less secure.

     

    The Elasto Painters looked nearly unstoppable early in the conference, storming to a franchise-best 7-0 start behind the high-powered play of import Jaylen Johnson and the system of veteran coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Their early-season surge featured statement wins over TNT, Converge, and even San Miguel, where Rain or Shine survived a furious Beermen comeback to preserve a 116-112 victory after leading by as many as 25 points.

     

    For weeks, the Elasto Painters looked like the league’s most complete team.

     

    Then came the late wobble.

     

    Rain or Shine dropped three of its last five elimination games, including a lopsided 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that ultimately pushed the team down to third place despite finishing with a strong 9-3 record.

     

    Johnson still emerged as one of the conference’s top imports after averaging 23.6 points and 14.6 rebounds, but the playoffs now present an entirely different challenge.

     

    Because unlike Rain or Shine’s steady rise, San Miguel arrives carrying momentum built through survival.

     

    The Beermen stumbled through the early part of the conference behind inconsistent imports and a shaky 3-4 start that placed their title hopes in danger. Their struggles peaked during a disappointing loss to Magnolia where former import Justin Patton struggled badly.

     

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    Desperate for stability, San Miguel turned back to a familiar answer.

     

    The return of Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who powered the franchise to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title — immediately changed the tone of the Beermen’s campaign.

     

    San Miguel won four of its last five games and carried a three-game winning streak into the playoffs to finish 7-5, suddenly looking like a team nobody wants to face in a short series.

     

    While Rain or Shine and San Miguel figure in a heavyweight showdown, the other marquee matchup features Ginebra taking on the returning Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

     

    For Phoenix, simply returning to the playoffs already marks a major breakthrough after missing the postseason the last two years.

     

    Unfortunately for coach Charles Tiu and the Fuel Masters, their reward is a date with the league’s most experienced playoff machine led by Tim Cone and resident superstar Justin Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra’s path to the No. 2 seed was not entirely smooth.

     

    The Gin Kings opened the conference unevenly despite Brownlee’s return, alternating wins and losses through their first four outings before eventually finding rhythm midway through the eliminations.

     

    Once they clicked, however, Ginebra quickly looked like a legitimate contender again.

     

    The team won seven of its final eight games, capped by dominant victories over Rain or Shine and TNT to secure a 9-3 record and the second seed behind top-ranked NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    Brownlee once again anchored the team with monster averages of 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while rising guard RJ Abarrientos blossomed into one of the conference’s breakout stars with 21.5 points per game.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, enters the playoffs still searching for consistency despite flashes of promise throughout the eliminations.

     

    The Fuel Masters started strong before struggling through uneven stretches that eventually left them at 6-6 entering the quarterfinals.

     

    A major turning point came when Phoenix replaced import James Dickey with returning reinforcement Johnathan Williams, who immediately stabilized the team with averages of 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds.

     

    The conference also became a breakout stage for Ricci Rivero, who thrived under Tiu’s system with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before a hand injury sidelined him late in the eliminations.

     

    Still, Phoenix faces a massive uphill climb.

     

    The Fuel Masters lost their lone elimination meeting against Ginebra, 109-96, in a game where Brownlee and Abarrientos combined for 58 points to completely overwhelm Phoenix in the second half.

     

    Now, with the quarterfinals officially set, the Commissioner’s Cup postseason opens with a familiar truth around the PBA:

     

    Momentum helps, twice-to-beat advantages matter, but once the playoffs begin, reputations and pressure often become the biggest deciding factors of all.

     

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  • Phoenix leans on returning import Johnathan Williams to steady team in critical stretch

    Phoenix leans on returning import Johnathan Williams to steady team in critical stretch

    In a decisive mid-conference pivot, the Fuel Masters have turned to a name that once delivered stability and dominance, Johnathan Williams. The move comes at a moment when hesitation could cost them their season.

     

    The decision to replace James Dickey wasn’t just tactical—it was urgent. Despite Dickey’s solid averages of 19.63 points and 14.13 rebounds, his unexpected absence in Phoenix’s recent 130-103 defeat raised more questions than answers. That loss didn’t just dent their record; it exposed a team searching for direction at the worst possible time.

     

    Enter Williams, a player whose previous stint with Phoenix wasn’t just productive—it was transformative. His return signals a shift in tone: from uncertainty to familiarity, from adjustment to execution. But as head coach Topex Robinson Tiu pointed out, the challenge lies not in Williams’ ability, but in the circumstances surrounding his comeback.

     

    “Excited. The team had some success with him previously so it was a no-brainer. But the challenge is getting him in with only one practice and without enough time for preparation and then play TNT right away,” said Tiu.

     

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    That immediacy defines Phoenix’s situation. Sitting sixth in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings, they don’t have the luxury of easing Williams back into the system. Instead, he’ll be thrust straight into high-pressure matchups, starting with TNT, followed by games against Macau and San Miguel—all within a tight window that will test chemistry as much as conditioning.

     

    Williams’ résumé suggests he’s built for exactly this kind of moment. During the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup, he powered Phoenix to its last semifinal appearance while earning Best Import honors. His numbers—24.5 points, 16.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games—weren’t just impressive; they were foundational to the team’s identity at the time.

     

    Since then, his journey has taken him across competitive leagues in Japan, where he suited up for Toyama, Shizuoka, and Chiba, before stints in Kuwait with Al Qadsia and later in London. Most recently, he played for Suwon KT in the Korean Basketball League, sharpening his game against diverse international competition.

     

    What makes this reunion compelling isn’t nostalgia—it’s necessity. Phoenix isn’t simply hoping Williams can replicate past success; they’re counting on him to stabilize a team that suddenly looks vulnerable. His versatility as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator offers a blueprint for balance, something the Fuel Masters lacked in their most recent outing.

     

    More importantly, Williams returns to a roster that’s evolved since his last stint. This version of Phoenix is younger, faster, and arguably more unpredictable. If Williams can anchor that energy with his experience and inside presence, the Fuel Masters might not just stay in the playoff hunt—they could become a dangerous matchup again.

     

    The gamble is clear: limited preparation, immediate expectations, and a brutal schedule ahead. But if history is any indication, Phoenix didn’t just bring back a former import—they brought back a solution they trust when it matters most.

     

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  • Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    What started as a manageable injury concern has quickly turned into a turning point in the campaign of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.


    In a crucial PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup clash on Sunday, Phoenix absorbed a damaging 130-103 loss to the Converge FiberXers, falling to 5-4 and slipping to sixth place—just as momentum for a quarterfinal berth was within reach.

     

    The bigger issue, however, was not just the defeat but the absence of James Dickey, whose decision to sit out due to an ankle sprain sustained in their previous 87-83 upset of Rain or Shine left a noticeable void in both effort and execution.

     

    Phoenix had initially believed the injury was something he could play through, making his absence feel like an even heavier blow in a game that carried playoff implications.

     

    “Naibaba na nga ng mga PT namin ‘yung swelling niya, pero very unfortunate na he wasn’t able to give it a try today. We could’ve used him,” said head coach Charles Tiu.

     

    Without Dickey’s presence in the paint, Phoenix struggled to match up physically with Converge, particularly against returning import Donovan Smith, who imposed his will with 32 points on 12-of-20 shooting and 12 rebounds. 

     

    The FiberXers capitalized on the interior mismatch throughout the game, controlling key stretches on their way to another statement win after previously stunning Rain or Shine, the first team to defeat them after a 7-0 start.

     

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    For Tiu, the frustration came not just from the result but from the missed opportunity.

    “Of all the games, this was the one game we had to win. Kasi, if we beat Converge, we would’ve been in the playoffs already,” he said.

     

    The absence of their defensive anchor highlighted how dependent Phoenix has become on Dickey’s two-way production this conference. 

     

    Before sitting out, he had been one of the most productive imports in the league, averaging 19.6 points, 19.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.75 blocks.

     

    Now, with Phoenix’s record slipping and their margin for error shrinking, the focus has shifted to availability and recovery. 

     

    Tiu acknowledged that while he believed Dickey could have potentially played through the injury, the final call was made with long-term health in mind.

     

    “I don’t know, man. I really can’t say. We’ll have to see. Pero, I thought it was something he could’ve probably played through. Pero I get naman, ayaw rin niyang mag-risk ng injury niya. It’s okay,” the 37-year-old coach said. 

     

    Whether the setback will force Phoenix to consider reinforcements remains unclear, but what is certain is that the timing could not be worse. With a matchup against TNT looming on Friday, the Fuel Masters now find themselves not only fighting for playoff positioning but also waiting on the condition of the player who had been central to their early success.

     

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  • Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    In a league where minutes often invite scrutiny, opportunity can quickly turn into a spotlight.

     

    For Francis Escandor, increased playing time with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters hasn’t just meant more responsibility—it has also come with questions from the outside.

     

    But inside the team, the view is far more grounded.

     

    Head coach Charles Tiu has made it clear that Escandor’s role isn’t about circumstance—it’s about trust. And that trust, he says, is rooted in familiarity and belief in what the player brings beyond the box score.

     

    “I think Francis is a solid PBA player,” Tiu said. “He’s been riding the bench the last couple of seasons sa Rain or Shine. Only now siya nakakalaro. But I had a chance to coach him before, I know what he can do. He is really a good shooter and a good defender. He played for me sa SGA.”

     

    For Tiu, the current rotation isn’t built on perception—it’s built on need and reliability.

     

    With injuries affecting the lineup, including Kai Ballungay, Phoenix has had to lean on depth. And in those moments, Escandor has become one of the pieces the coaching staff turns to—not necessarily for numbers, but for stability.

     

    “For me, it’s about giving guys trust, giving them confidence. Kai (Ballungay) has been hurt anyway. We are a bit short with our players,” he said.

     

    That trust was evident in Escandor’s extended minutes in a recent outing, where he logged over 27 minutes. The stat line—two points, five rebounds, one steal—didn’t jump off the page. But for Tiu, impact isn’t always measured that way.

     

    “(Against Rain or Shine), he played great, he ended up playing 27 minutes, but he was solid defensively. You won’t see much mistakes from him. Would have made a big three also. Ako, I need guys like that. Guys I trust that can follow what we want and are smart players. Bilib naman ako kay Francis,” he said.

     

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    Still, the outside noise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

     

     

    Reports and assumptions have fueled criticism toward Escandor, but Tiu believes the narrative has overlooked something more important—the work being done away from the spotlight.

     

    “Sometimes, it’s unfair. Actually, I feel bad for Francis. I don’t think he deserves any of it. He just really wants to play basketball. I hope they can just lay off him and let the guy just enjoy. We play basketball. We love the game. They are pros.”

     

    “I’m sure it’s very hard for him. Pero kahit papaano, grabe rin bilib ko sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpapadala. Trabaho lang siya everyday. He really puts in the work. He trains every morning at 5 a.m. No excuses yun.”

     

    For Tiu, that consistency matters more than any narrative.

     

    “To him, he is just one of the guys. Yun ang maganda. No matter what, he is just another player and another teammate. And that’s what I appreciate kay Francis.”

     

    In a team searching for cohesion amid challenges, that mindset might be just as valuable as any stat line.

     

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  • “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    For Rain or Shine’s head coach Yeng Guiao, the end of a winning streak wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was simply part of the process.


    After guiding the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a blazing 7-0 start, Guiao watched his squad absorb its first loss, an 87-83 setback to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. The defeat trimmed their record to 7-1.

     

    “It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat. Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    Even during their unbeaten stretch, Guiao had repeatedly cautioned against getting too comfortable. That foresight showed as he treated the loss less as a setback and more as a recalibration point for a young, fast-paced roster that has thrived on momentum.

     

    Against Phoenix, Rain or Shine struggled to impose its usual tempo. A flurry of missed layups and turnovers allowed the Fuel Masters to seize control late, turning the game into one played on their terms.

     

    “Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” the 66-year-old veteran coach explained.

     

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    Despite the stumble, the Elasto Painters remain in a strong position atop the standings. More importantly, Guiao’s focus hasn’t wavered from the bigger goal—securing a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

     

    “We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” he added.

     

    Rain or Shine also missed the services of Felix Lametti, who continues to recover from a left knee sprain. The Fil-Swedish guard had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds prior to the injury, making his absence felt in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Still, Adrian Nocum stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in a losing effort.

    On the other side, Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 20 points, while James Dickey added 17 and Tyler Tio contributed 16 to complete the comeback win.

     

    With tougher matchups looming against Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Guiao’s calm demeanor could prove just as valuable as any winning streak.

    For Rain or Shine, the message from their coach is clear, the streak may be over but the bigger mission is just beginning.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    For three games, Terrafirma had looked like one of the early surprises of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    On Wednesday night at the Ynares Center, however, Phoenix made sure that unbeaten run came to a crashing halt — and Ricci Rivero made sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge.

     

    Rivero delivered the finest scoring night of his PBA career, pouring in 40 points in a dazzling all-around performance that fueled the Fuel Masters to a 133-105 demolition of the Dyip. It wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement win for a Phoenix squad trying to establish itself as a legitimate playoff threat.

     

    From the opening half alone, Rivero had already seized control of the game.

     

    He dropped 21 points before halftime, setting the tone for a relentless Phoenix attack that blew the game open in the second quarter. 

     

    By the time the Fuel Masters finished their surge, they had turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided showcase of firepower.

     

    Rivero did the damage from everywhere — knocking down seven triples, attacking in transition, and creating for others whenever Terrafirma tried to send extra attention his way. He also finished with six rebounds and eight assists in a complete performance that showed both confidence and command.

     

    The outburst couldn’t have come at a better time for Phoenix, which was looking to respond after absorbing a 93-86 loss to Meralco in its previous outing. Instead of lingering on that setback, the Fuel Masters answered with their most explosive showing yet.

     

    Coach Charles Tiu made it clear the result meant more than just one big night.

     

    “We’re just trying to rack up some wins,” said the young mentor. “Kasi ang goal lang naman namin, first and foremost, is to try to make a playoff push. We know naman that the Phoenix franchise has been hungry for a playoff berth.”

     

    Phoenix certainly played like a team with urgency.

     

    While Rivero stole the spotlight, he had plenty of support. Ef Escandor added 20 points, doing much of his work in the fourth quarter to keep the pressure on as the Fuel Masters buried any hopes of a Terrafirma comeback. Import James Dickey III supplied a steady interior presence with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while also stuffing the stat sheet with three assists, three steals, and a block.

     

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    Evan Nelle chipped in 14 points, and veteran big man Prince Caperal contributed 11, as Phoenix spread the floor and punished Terrafirma with wave after wave of offense.

     

    By the final buzzer, the numbers painted the picture of just how sharp the Fuel Masters had been. Phoenix shot 52.8 percent from the field and drilled 19 three-pointers, a shooting display that left the Dyip chasing shadows for most of the night. The Fuel Masters even erupted for 40 points in the third quarter, turning the game into a full-scale rout.

     

    ‘The shooting was good. I wish we could shoot like this every game,” said Tiu.

     

    For Terrafirma, the loss served as a harsh reset after its dream start. Jerrick Ahanmisi did everything he could to keep the Dyip afloat, erupting for 37 points in a brave offensive effort. But outside of him, consistent scoring never arrived. Import Mubashar Ali was the only other player in double figures with 13 points, though he did haul down 17 rebounds while absorbing much of Phoenix’s defensive attention.

     

    The bigger concern for Terrafirma may be what lies ahead.After opening the conference with three straight wins, the Dyip now head into a far more unforgiving stretch, with Magnolia, TNT, and Rain or Shine waiting in their next three assignments. 

     

    Their early momentum has given them a cushion, but Wednesday’s blowout also exposed how much tougher life becomes once teams begin to zero in on them.

     

    As for Phoenix, the victory may prove to be more than just a tally in the win column.

     

    At 3-1, the Fuel Masters are now level with Terrafirma in the standings, but they carry the edge in confidence after a performance that showcased their offensive ceiling. More importantly, it offered a glimpse of what they can become when Rivero is at full throttle and the supporting cast follows.

     

    Phoenix will now have time to build on that momentum, with its next game not coming until April 5 against NLEX at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Phoenix stays perfect; NLEX rallies past Magnolia to remain unbeaten

    Phoenix stays perfect; NLEX rallies past Magnolia to remain unbeaten

    Two teams continued their early surge in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday as the Phoenix Fuel Masters and NLEX Road Warriors remained spotless following contrasting victories at the Ynares Center II in Montalban.

     

    Phoenix delivered the more dominant showing of the night, dismantling the Titan Ultra, 109-76, to stretch its winning start under coach Charles Tiu to two games.

     

    Unlike their tense opening win over Magnolia Hotshots just two days earlier, the Fuel Masters wasted little time asserting control. Phoenix raced to a 33-17 advantage in the opening period and never allowed Titan Ultra to seriously threaten afterward.

     

    The win also marked the franchise’s first 2-0 start in five years, dating back to the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup when former import Paul Harris powered the team.

     

    Phoenix once again relied on a balanced attack. Ricci Rivero led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds, while also adding four assists and two steals.

     

    Import James Dickey III nearly produced a monster double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds to go with six assists, four steals, and four blocks.

     

    Ken Tuffin added 17 points highlighted by three triples, while Evan Nelle contributed 14 points and eight assists.

     

    Bench contributions from Bryan Santos, who scored 13 points, helped Phoenix maintain control throughout the second half.

     

    Titan Ultra briefly showed signs of life in the third quarter, trimming the gap to 69-62 after a basket from Michael Gilmore with just over two minutes remaining in the period.

     

    But Phoenix quickly restored order. Kai Ballungay and Santos sparked a key response before Nelle buried a four-pointer early in the fourth to ignite a decisive 16-2 run that stretched the lead to 89-66 and effectively sealed the rout.

     

    Gilmore finished with 27 points and 29 rebounds for Titan Ultra but struggled with 10 turnovers.

     

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    Later in the evening, NLEX produced a late surge of its own, completing a comeback to beat Magnolia, 112-105.

     

    The Road Warriors once again leaned on clutch execution down the stretch. After delivering the game-winning shot in their previous win against Blackwater Bossing, Robert Bolick turned playmaker this time.

     

    Bolick found Deschon Winston in the corner for a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 111-103 with 47.3 seconds left, effectively putting the game out of reach.

     

    Seven Road Warriors finished in double figures in a balanced offensive display.

     

    Import Cady Lalanne led the way with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, while Bolick, Winston, and JB Bahio added 14 points each, while rookie playmaker LJ Gonzales earned Player of the Game honors after tallying 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

     

    Kevin Alas also scored 13 points, including a key four-pointer midway through the fourth that helped create breathing room for NLEX.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, dropped to 0-2 despite a strong offensive showing as import Nuni Omot led the Hotshots with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jerom Lastimosa added 23 points on efficient shooting, while Rome Dela Rosa and Zav Lucero chipped in 17 and 16 points, respectively.

     

    Magnolia appeared in control earlier after building a 56-43 lead late in the second quarter but struggled to contain NLEX’s surge in the second half.

     

    Both Phoenix and NLEX now share the early lead in the standings with identical 2-0 records alongside Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    Magnolia will try to avoid a deeper hole when it faces Blackwater next Sunday, while NLEX braces for a marquee matchup against the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

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