Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Phoenix Fuel Masters recorded their first ever win as a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise in their debut game in the league, with a 118-106 win over the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday (February 17) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
RR Garcia led the Fuelmasters with 33 points, while import Andrew Adeleke and JC Intal chipped in with 18 and 17 markers, respectively.
There was little to separate the two sides at halftime, with Phoenix holding a slim 50-47 advantage.
It was in the third quarter that the Fuel Masters really created separation, with Garcia burying four of his six triples in that period alone to give his side a 84-76 lead heading into the final period.
The Road Warriors trimmed the deficit to 104-100 with four minutes left to play, but could not quell Phoenix’s hot shooting.
Al Thornton paced NLEX with 27 points, while Sean Anthony contributed 19.
The Road Warriors slid to a 1-1 win-loss slate.
