Phoenix's Kai Ballungay in action. PBA Images
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Phoenix halted its four-game losing streak by securing a 107-76 win at the expense of free falling Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center Montalban.
The Fuel Masters, whose only win came against San Miguel before this, finally tallied their second triumph — a renewed lease on their all-Filipino bid.
It was all Phoenix in the match, which pulled away as early as the first quarter, outscoring its rivals in that frame, 37-20, and capped by a 23-8 final canto to complete the shellacking of the Dyip.
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Kai Ballungay already had 12 points in that huge opener, and ended up with a huge double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, earning Player of the Game honors.
Ricci Rivero starred in his own way with 16 points and six rebounds, while Jason Perkins and Bryan Santos delivered 12 markers each.
While their goal is to secure a playoffs spot, coach Willy Wilson asserted that they are still taking it step by step, not looking further from the present.
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"Well siyempre, ultimate goal namin to make the playoffs," uttered Wilson during the post-match press conference. "Pero hindi namin tinitingnan 'yung playoffs. Ang tinitingnan lang namin is 'yung next game."
"We're just trying to grow every single game," Wilson added.
On the other hand, Terrafirma continued to struggle and was dealt a fifth straight loss.
Paolo Hernandez paced the Dyip with 14 points, Mark Sangalang tallied 13 points, while Aljon Mariano and Brent Paraiso had 11 and 10, respectively.
Phoenix seeks back-to-back victories against Ginebra, where Wilson faces his former coach Tim Cone, while Terrafirma battles Titan Ultra, hoping to regain its winning ways.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 107 – Ballungay 19, Rivero 16, Perkins 12, Santos 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Daves 6, Jazul 6, Escandor 5, Nelle 4, Garcia 4, Kwekuteye 3, Ando 2, Caperal 1, Manganti 1
TERRAFIRMA 76 – Hernandez 14, Sangalang 13, Mariano 11, Paraiso 10, Hanapi 9, Catapusan 5, M.Ahanmisi 4, Bravo 3, Rivero 2, J. Ahanmisi 2, Garcia 2, Zaldivar 1, Olivario 0
QUARTERS: 37-20, 58-47, 84-68, 107-76