The Phoenix Fuel Masters weathered a late fightback from the San Miguel Beermen and held on for a 109-103 win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Sunday night, October 12, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Fuel Masters nearly squandered a double-digit lead in the final quarter but proved to be the better team down the stretch, eventually ending a 10-game losing streak against the Beermen.

The loss dropped San Miguel — the defending All-Filipino champions — to 0-2 at the start of the conference.

Ricci Rivero led the way for Phoenix with 14 points, as the former University of the Philippines star shook off a lethargic start.

Kai Ballungay (14), Tyler Tio (14) and Jason Perkins (13) also finished in double-digits.

The Beermen nearly erased a 13-point deficit and got within four points in the final two minutes, but could not execute the rest of the way.

A pair of charities by Rivero iced the game.

“It’s significant even without talking about the 10-game losing streak. Knowing we have the ability to beat a team like San Miguel Beermen, it’s good for the team. We don’t know what pattern is gonna happen next,” said Phoenix head coach Willy Wilson, who got his first win in the PBA.

Nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo had a 19-point, 22-rebound double-double in the loss. (ABS-CBN News)

PHOENIX 109 — Rivero 16, Tio 14, Ballungay 14, Perkins 13, Nelle 10, Caperal 9, Daves 7, Kwekuteye 6, Taha 6, Santos 5, Escandor 3, Jazl 2, Ando 0.

SAN MIGUEL 103 — Fajardo 19, Cruz 15, Perez 17, Trollano 16, Lassiter 9, Rosales 9, Brondial 6, Tautuaa 5, Tiongson 5, Miller 0, Cahilig 0.

Quarterscores: 27-23,  61-51, 82-74, 109-103.