PHOENIX Super LPG turned a looming blowout into a statement win, unleashing a fierce second-half surge to stun Rain or Shine, 87-83, and snap the Elasto Painters’ perfect run in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Down by as many as 18 and searching for answers early, the Fuel Masters flipped the script after halftime behind a collective eruption from James Dickey III, Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, Prince Rivero, and Evan Nelle. The five spearheaded a relentless comeback that handed Rain or Shine its first defeat after seven straight victories.
“We just challenged our team at the half,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu. “Early on, it felt like Space Jam — we couldn’t make a shot. Then we started making them. Tyler hit big ones, and everyone gave quality minutes. We just chipped away.”
With a grin, Tiu added, “Maybe it was the law of averages, or maybe coach Yeng gave us a break. Or we just caught them on an off night.”
Whatever the reason, Phoenix made it count. The Fuel Masters built on their previous 125-108 rout of Blackwater to improve to 5-3, tightening their grip on a potential Top Four finish.
Perkins led the charge with 20 points, while Dickey dominated inside with 17 points and a massive 19 rebounds. Tio provided the spark with 16 points, including timely three-pointers that helped swing momentum. Nelle added 12 points highlighted by three triples, while Rivero delivered an all-around effort of 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Phoenix turned the tide in the third quarter with a 32-20 blast before finishing strong with a 26-19 edge in the fourth, completing one of the conference’s most impressive comebacks.
Rain or Shine looked in full control early, dictating the pace and building a comfortable lead heading into halftime. But the Elasto Painters lost their rhythm in the face of Phoenix’s pressure and shot-making in the final two quarters.
Despite the loss, Rain or Shine remains on top of the standings at 7-1, still ahead of second-running NLEX. However, the road ahead stiffens with crucial matchups against Magnolia, NLEX, and Barangay Ginebra — all teams battling for playoff positioning.
The Scores
Phoenix 87 — Perkins 20, Dickey III 17, Tio 16, Nelle 12, Rivero 11, Delos Santos 4, Tuffin 3, Santos 2, Escandor 2, Ynot 0, Daves 0
Rain or Shine 83 — Nocum 20, Johnson 12, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 9, Asistio 6, David 6, Roque 5, Tiongson 5, Villegas 3, Malonzo 2, Santillan 2, Caracut 2, Manaytay 0
Quarterscores 16-18, 29-44, 61-64, 87-83