The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters defeated the Alaska Aces

[Mary C]

 

Phoenix – 104 

Alaska – 99  

The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters defeated the Alaska Aces 104-99 on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and maintained their PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinal chances afloat. 

  

Four Phoenix players scored in double figures, including club captain Matthew Wright, who had a double-double of 26 points and 11 assists. 

  

To enhance their record this season to 5-5, Jason Perkins scored 22 points while RJ Jazul and fresh recruit Du' Vaughn Maxwell each scored 21 points. 

  

Phoenix jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, but Alaska's Olu Ashaolu and Robbie Herndon led a powerful scoring run in the second quarter to narrow the gap to just one point at halftime. 

  

The Fuel Masters took an 81-74 advantage into the fourth quarter, but the Aces rallied from a 12-point deficit in the bonus period to take a 93-92 lead thanks to an inside shot by Ashaolu with 5:38 left. 

  

For Phoenix to reclaim the momentum, Maxwell and Perkins hit the next two critical jumpers. Although only 20 seconds left, the new Fuel Masters addition, a 30-year-old cager from Hampton University, dictated his will within the post to assist his team grab a four-point lead, 103-99. 

 

Jazul divided his two foul shots after a Herndon foul to put an end to the team's three-game losing run. 

  

Alaska's Ashaolu led the way with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists whereas Herndon chipped in with 17 points for the Aces, who fell to 6-4 on the season.