Jericho Cruz got it done down the stretch to power NLEX to a 94-76 triumph over Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DVHSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga, on Saturday, September 4.
Making up for the shortfall left by Kiefer Ravena, Cruz hit critical containers down the stretch and doled out key dimes to get done with 19 focuses, 8 helps, and 4 takes as the Road Warriors acquired their third consecutive success.
Raul Soyud backstopped Cruz with 17 focuses and 7 bounce back, while JR Quinahan terminated 14 focuses on top of 7 bounce back and 2 squares to assist NLEX with working on 4-2 for solo fourth spot.
The Road Warriors additionally drained strength from Kevin Alas, who produced 11 focuses, 7 bounce back, and 5 helps.
Covered by twofold figures, the Fuel Masters shaved their deficiency to 6 focuses with 6 minutes left, 72-78, off two or three Jason Perkins free tosses and a Chris Banchero triple.
Notwithstanding, NLEX stretched out its lead back to twin digits behind consecutive Alas and Soyud layups.
Cruz then, at that point penetrated in two straight pails with 1:30 minutes left for a 90-76 pad before he helped on two Soyud containers just in case.
Phoenix rode on the hot hand of Matthew Wright, who sank his initial four shots, to hold onto a 25-22 lead after the initial quarter.
Yet, Wright went 0-of-14 subsequently and got restricted to only 10 focuses as the Fuel Masters attempted to get their offense moving, especially in the second from last quarter where they got outscored 17-27.
Vic Manuel led Phoenix, which dropped to 2-5, with 13 points off the bench. Perkins had 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Banchero put up 12 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.
The Scores
NLEX 94 - Cruz 19, Soyud 17, Quinahan 14, Alas 11, Trollano 9, Oftana 8, Miranda 5, Paniamogan 5, Porter 4, Ighalo 2, McAloney 0.
Phoenix 76 - Manuel 13, Perkins 12, Banchero 12, Wright 10, Jazul 8, Demusis 5, Melecio 5, Chua 4, Garcia 3, Pascual 2, Calisaan 2, Muyang 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 22-25, 45-45, 72-62, 94-76.