Fuel Masters zoom to 6th straight win, trounce Batang Pier

MANILA, Philippines -- Phoenix’s hot streak continues as the Fuel Masters notched their sixth straight victory in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of the NorthPort Batang Pier, 113-104, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a nip-and-tuck game throughout the first three quarters, with NorthPort gaining a two-point advantage going into the fourth following a late putback by JM Calma.

With the game tied at 95 in the fourth quarter following a layup by Venky Jois, Johnathan Williams III went superhuman and scored seven of Phoenix’s nine straight points to take a 104-95 lead with six minutes left in the game.

After a split by Arvin Tolentino halted the run, 104-96, Ken Tuffin split his freebies and a jumper by Tyler Tio gave the Fuel Masters an 11-point lead, 107-96, with 4:20 remaining in the game.

It was enough separation for the Fuel Masters as they only allowed the lead to be cut to as low as nine points.

Williams led Phoenix with a full statline of 38 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks.

Tuffin followed suit with 15 points.

Jois also had an all-around game for NorthPort, finishing with 27 markers, 15 boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks.

Arvin Tolentino added 19 points off the bench.

With the win, Phoenix solidified its bid to a twice-to-beat advantage and a shot to the top four slot in the playoffs.

The Fuel Masters are now holding a 7-1 win-loss slate. They are in a deadlock for the top spot with the Magnolia Hotshots.

NorthPort, meanwhile, dropped to 5-4 in the season.