The Phoenix Fuel Masters start the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup with back-to-back victories after beating Titan Ultra.
When other Phoenix players were hurt, Ricci Rivero made sure to rise to the occasion.
Rivero set the tone early for the Fuel Masters in their 109-76 drubbing of Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, March 15.
In the absence of key pieces like Tyler Tio (sprain) and Jason Perkins (Achilles), Rivero put up eight early points in a 33-17 salvo that allowed the Fuel Masters to break away early.
He finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
“Like what coach (Charles Tiu) said yesterday, ‘let’s just keep on hustling kasi it’s everything that we can do. It’s something we can do to win games,’” said Rivero, whose team now shares the lead with Terrafirma at 2-0 in the standings.
“Because we’re not a super team, so hustle lang talaga pwede naming magawa.”
Speaking of hustle, import James Dickey was all over the court anew, backstopping Rivero with a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, which he topped with six assists, four steals, and four blocks.
Ken Tuffin added 17 points for the Fuel Masters, who also lost Kai Ballungay 10 seconds into the fourth period because of a sprained left ankle.
But it was Evan Nelle who held off the Giant Risers late after they threatened to turn things around, firing 14 points in the fourth period built on three four-pointers.
“Yun yung challenge ko sa players na ‘hey, we gotta have the backs of our other teammates who are hurt,” said Tiu, who is off to a flying start as a PBA head coach.
Meanwhile, Michael Gilmore put up 27 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and a block but made 10 turnovers in a losing cause for Titan Ultra.
Phoenix vs Titan Ultra Scores:
PHOENIX 109 – Rivero 18, Dicket 17, Tuffin 17, Nelle 14, Santos 13, Ballungay 5, Gozum 4, Escandor 3, Caperal 2, Daves 2, Delos Santos 0, Ando 0
TITAN ULTRA 76 – Gilmore 27, Munzon 9, Yu 9, Sajonia 8, Flores 6, Dionisio 5, Melecio 2, Balanza 2, Ular 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 2, Omega 0, Pessumal 0
Quarterscores: 33-17, 58-45, 73-64, 109-76
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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.