The Phoenix Fuel Masters turned things around in the second half to complete a 98-86 win over the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots and open its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign on a winning note on Saturday, July 11, at the Ynares Montalban.

The Fuel Masters overcame a slow start then torched the Hotshots in the last two quarters to go 1-0 in Group B.

Phoenix got a solid PBA debut from its import BJ Johnson, who erupted for 34 points and 10 rebounds, while its local crew also made a huge impact with Jason Perkins finishing with 23 points and Tyler Tio posting 11 markers.

Trailing by four at halftime, Phoenix came out firing in the third quarter, pouring in 30 points behind 11 from Johnson to turn the tables and take a 79-71 lead entering the final period.

Magnolia, though, mounted a desperate run late in the fourth period behind Zav Lucero, whose six straight points cut their deficit to 10, 91-81, in the last 4:36.

The Hotshots had a chance to cut the deficit even further, but Chris Koon and import KJ Buffen misfired on separate wide-open three-point attempts.

Tio shot a massive three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Rome dela Rosa to give Phoenix a 95-83 cushion before Perkins buried a difficult floater to seal it for the Fuel Masters. (GMA News)