By Adrian Stewart Co

Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters offered a tough reality check to Columbian Dyip after a 108-98 beat down in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Matthew Wright led the way with 22 points, including three triples, while Calvin Abueva added 16 markers and Jason Perkins earned a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Fuel Masters surged to a 12-0 start off early hits from Abueva and Wright. The lead grew to its largest at 40-21 on five straight points by Dave Marcelo but the Dyip managed to cut the deficit to 53-47 at the half.

While the Fuel Masters widened their lead to double digits in the third period to 76-50, through conversions from Wright and Abueva; the Dyip countered with a run and got as close as 82-77.

That surge proved to be the last stand for the Dyip as five straight points from Wright and JC Intal each increased the Fuel Masters’ lead to 102-88 with over three minutes in the game.

Meanwhile, Negrense rookie John Paul Calvo finished with 18 points for the Dyip./ASC, WDJ