Phoenix adds to Blackwater woes, racks up second straight PBA win

Ricci Rivero and Phoenix grabbed the momentum-boosting win over Blackwater (PBA Facebook)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Phoenix Super LPG pulled off a gut-wrenching win over the Blackwater Bossing, 111-106, in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup last November 24, 2023, held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Super LPG just earned its first winning streak of the young PBA season and improved to a 2-2 win-loss record.

Despite taking a commanding lead in the first three-quarters of the game, Phoenix still needed to wrap up the game with several crucial baskets after Blackwater made a run late in the final canto.

Thanks to timely hits from Troy Rosario, Rey Suerte, and Mike Ayonayon, the Bossing clawed their way back and pressured the Super LPG with their clutch scoring barrage.

However, Phoenix answered in the most perfect time inside the final three minutes of regulation as the duo of Javee Mocon and Jason Perkins joined hands to avoid the meltdown.

Also putting up much-needed buckets for Phoenix is prized rookie Ricci Rivero who energized his squad with his acrobatic finishes at the rim.

Perkins took control of the game with his post-up prowess and led Phoenix with 23 big points and eight rebounds.

Meanwhile, import Johnathan Williams had an all-around outing of 21 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals to boost the Super LPG.

Veteran floor general RJ Jazul showed the way for the Phoenix young guns and fired 19 markers while Rivero capped off the win with 14.

Phoenix will aim for its third consecutive victory on November 29, 2023, as they take on the rolling Terrafirma Dyip.