DU’VAUGHN MAXWELL filled the stats sheet for another all-around performance in Phoenix Super LPG’s 114-106 victory over an import-less Rain or Shine on Wednesday in Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Maxwell finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, five steals and five blocks for the Fuel Masters, who won for the third straight time for a 4-5 win-loss record.
Encho Serrano again played big for Phoenix—he scattered nine points in the fourth quarter to lead the locals in scoring with 17 points.
The loss was the seventh in nine games for the Elasto Painters, whose replacement import—Jordan Tolbert—for the injured Greg Smith (hamstring) didn’t make the 6-foot-6 height limit for foreign reinforcements.
But Rain or Shine didn’t yield easily and engaged Phoenix in a physical game.
“We knew that they’re going to play us physically because that’s their trademark,” Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin said. “So we just continued playing our game.”
Phoenix built a comfortable 50-27 lead midway the second quarter, but Rain or Shine nibbled on the deficit and came to within 110-106-with 39 seconds left.
Maxwell took over from there to seal their win.
“Kudos to coach Yeng Guiao, to his coaching staff and to his players. They were at a disadvantage and we’re up big, but they had a big heart,” Jarin added.
RR Garcia added 17 points, Jason Perkins made 15 points and Tyler Tio had 14 points for the Fuel Masters.
The Elasto Painters drew 14 points each from Norbert Torres and Leonard Santillan.
Image credits: Rudy Esperas