Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters clinched the eighth and last quarterfinals seat in the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup after a come-from-behind 101-98 win over NorthPort Batang Pier on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Du’Vaughn Maxwell led the way with double-double 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Ryan Roose Garcia and Jason Perkins chipped in 19 and 18 markers, respectively, for the Fuel Masters.
With the win, the Fuel Masters occupied the eighth seed heading into the quarterfinals and will have a twice-to-win disadvantage over no.1 seed Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots.
Down by as much as 15 points in the opening half, the Fuel Masters slowly clawed its way back in the third quarter behind Maxwell, Garcia and Perkins to cut the deficit to 76-79.
Phoenix opened the fourth period with 9-0 blast to take an 85-79 lead but it was quickly erased by NorthPort before turning the match into a seesaw affair with the latter holding to a 98-97 edge on a triple by Arwind Santos.
Matthew Wright then scored on a three-point play to give the Phoenix a 100-98 lead. A split free throw by Garcia widened the lead to 101-98 before the Fuel Masters foiled the three-point tries of the Batang Pier.
Jamel Artis finished with double-double 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Robert Bolick Jr. and Jamie Malonzo added 19 and 15 points, respectively, as the Batang Pier bowed out of contention.
