Phoenix Fuel Masters LPG pulled off an upset against the league leading NLEX Road Warriors, 102-93, in the first installment of the Christmas Day games of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix import Paul Harris only played for 2:38 minutes before hurting his hamstring. His team held the biggest lead of the match early in the fourth period, 84-73, after an 8-0 run with Matthew Wright making two triples in the charge.
NLEX tried to steal the lead with Calvin Oftana scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter, but their efforts were spoiled as Justin Chua knocked down a triple at the 1:35 mark of the game to widen the margin. Matthew Wright sealed the deal for Phoenix with another triple at the seven second mark of the deciding period.
Wright flirted with a double-double performance, posting 23 points and nine rebounds in the win. Chua listed 19 markers and six boards, while Chris Banchero added 17 points.
Oftana had a total of 18 points and 11 rebounds in the NLEX loss while Don Trollano added 16 points. NLEX import KJ McDaniels mustered only 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Phoenix, who bounced back after two straight losses, improved to 3-2 while NLEX suffered their first loss in five games.
The Fuel Masters will go against Rain or Shine Elastopainters on January 6 while the Road Warriors will face the Magnolia Hotshots on January 8.
The scores:
Phoenix 102 – Wright 23, Chua 19, Banchero 17, Melecio 12, Perkins 10, Jazul 8, Demusis 4, Manganti 2, Harris 2, Garcia 2, Rios 2, Camacho 1, Muyang 0.
NLEX 93 – Oftana 18, Trollano 16, McDaniels 12, Alas 11, Varilla 10, Paniamogan 8, Rosales 8, Quinahan 6, Cruz 4, Semerad 0.
Quarters: 26-18, 49-43, 72-67, 102-93.
