By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters showed its steadiness in the endgame to score a 100-93 victory over Meralco Bolts in the 2023 PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday night, May 28.
After seeing their double-digit lead turned to an 88-all count, the Fuel Masters got three straight conversions from Negrense Raul Soyud, RR Garcia and Sean Manganti for a 94-90 count.
The Bolts managed to cut it to 92-94 after an inside conversion from Norbert Torres, but the Fuel Masters got split free throws from Soyud and Larry Muyang to extend the lead to 96-94 with 39 seconds left.
Things got chippy with eight seconds left between Soyud and fellow Negrense center Raymar Jose of the Bolts as they were both called for unsportsmanlike foul for trading elbows on a rebound play. Garcia sealed the win for Phoenix with four free throws.
Soyud tallied double-double 25 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Fuel Masters (2-0), Garcia contributed 15 markers, while Muyang, Sean Manganti and Tyler Tio chipped in 13, 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Ilonggo Anjo Caram top-scored with 24 points, Clifford Hodge and Torres added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, while Kier John Quinto had double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Bolts (1-1).
In the first game, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots displayed its much-improved roster as it scored a lopsided 117-83 victory over Blackwater Bossing (1-1) to open their pre-season campaign on a winning note.
The Hotshots went to work early behind newcomer Abu Tratter, Paul Lee and Andy Mark Barroca for a 31-19 advantage, which later grew to 68-30 at the half after they outscored the Bossing, 37-11, in the second quarter.
Blackwater was not able to come close in the second half with Magnolia continuing to fire from inside and outside as the lead reached its biggest at 72-32 on back-to-back baskets by Jackson Corpuz.
Tratter, Barroca and Jerrick Ahanmisi led the way for the Hotshots with 14 markers apiece, Aris Dionisio and James Laput chipped in 12 points each, while Lee contributed 11 markers.
PHOENIX 100 — Soyud 25, Garcia 15, Muyang 13, Manganti 12, Tio 10, Atienza 9, Alejandro 7, Lalata 6, Jazul 3, Camacho 0.
MERALCO 93 — Caram 24, Hodge 12, Torres 11, Quinto 10, Jose 9, Pasaol 7, Rios 6, Pascual 4, Almazan 4, Manday 3, Johnson 3.
Quarterscores: 21-19, 51-43, 73-72, 100-93./ASC, WDJ