Phoenix rebounded at the expense of defending champion San Miguel, which has yet to pick up a win, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday, Oct. 12.
Phoenix shook off its opening game loss as it kept reigning champ San Miguel frustrated, 109-103, early in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, Oct. 12.
After absorbing a 78-93 beatdown from TNT two days ago, the Fuel Masters regrouped to down the Beermen, who are left searching for answers after also dropping an 84-85 decision to NLEX in their opening game.
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Phoenix got in control early, posting a 54-40 lead in the first half as Kai Ballungay, Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins and Prince Caperal teamed up for 37 points for Phoenix.
SMB, meanwhile, saw a sparse production from nine-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who only had five points and eight rebounds in the first 24 minutes of play.
The Fuel Masters then hung tough to complete their upset.
Fajardo found his rhythm, pouring 14 points there to finish with a game-high 19 as SMB tried to mount a comeback.
But Rivero also stepped up for Phoenix, countering with his own 12 points in the last 24 minutes to shove his team to the win column.
Rivero collected 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists, earning him the Player of the Game recognition.
San Miguel vs. Phoenix Scores:
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
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Kristina Villanueva is a sports journalist who is passionate about telling the stories of athletes on and off the court.
She believes that the greatness of these sportsmen begins not in the presence of loud cheers of spectators nor under the bright lights of the grandest stage, but in the quietness of their hard work behind the scenes and their dedication to get better in the pursuit of their dreams.
Kristina previously wrote for Sports Digest, Manila Bulletin's monthly sports magazine, The Philippine Star and Sportskeeda. She graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas.