James Dickey and Phoenix turned back Magnolia in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup debut.
James Dickey looked just like what the doctor ordered for Phoenix.
Needing someone to bring in the energy day in and day out and some more, the Fuel Masters tapped Dickey for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
He did just that in Phoenix’s 101-98 win over Magnolia in their mid-season tournament opener Friday night, March 13.
?“He (coach Charles Tiu) kinda told when he signed me the team needs my energy. And thats what I do naturally. This is who I am,” he said after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I don’t know what the stats are gonna look every night but I’m gonna bring energy. Thats what I like to do. It’s kinda like my superpower.”
The former Justin Brownlee teammate was exactly that.
Dickey was vocal and all over the court the entire game, ending up with 20 points and 26 rebounds he spiked with five assists, a steal, and a block.
Still, it was who Tuffin and Evan Nelle made the baskets that Ken which doused Magnolia’s uprising from 13 points down in the fourth period.
After Omot got the Hotshots to within four, 90-94, Tuffin nailed the triple on top of the key. Over a minute and a half later, Nelle scored the high-looping shot over Lucero for a 100-96 lead.
Magnolia refused to fold. Omot scored a quick two, but Jerom Lastimosa muffed the four-pointer as time expired.
Backstopping Dickey was Jason Perkins, who submitted 19 points while Kai Ballungay and Ken Tuffin had 12 points each and combined for 13 rebounds.
“Super exciting. I’m happy we got the win today in my first game. Great atmosphere, love the Philippines for sure,” said Dickey.
Meanwhile, last-minute replacement import Nuni Omot paced Magnolia with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Zavier Lucero turned in 19 points, including back-to-back baskets to pull them to within three, 94-97 with 1:24 left to play.
Lastimosa added 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Phoenix vs Magnolia Scores:
PHOENIX 101 – Dickey 20, Perkins 19, Ballungay 12, Rivero 10, Nelle 10, Tio 7, Santos 6, Escandor 2, Cullar 2, Caperal 0
MAGNOLIA 98 – Omot 27, Lucero 19, Lastimosa 18, Sangalang 8, Gomez de Liano 8, Andrada 7, Dela Rosa 4, Lee 4, Barroca 3, Escoto 0
Quarterscores: 27-23, 48-50, 79-72, 101-98
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.