FORMER PBA player James Martinez continued to shine on the international stage, leading his team Phoenix A to a dominant 113-72 win over Bull in  the 2025 Doremart Cup held at Sungai Antu in Sibu, Malaysia.

Martinez averaged 39 points per game across the elimination, quarterfinal, and semifinal rounds, helping Phoenix set up a title showdown against Horse Warrior Basketball.

After scoring 46 and 36 points in his previous games, Martinez followed them  up with 35 points on 12-of-18 shooting, adding two assists in 34 minutes of action against Bull.

Yii Nicholas added 16 points and five rebounds while Chi Sheng Tan contributed with 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Ko Victor and Yoong Jing Kwaan chipped in  14 and 12 points, respectively. Victor also had six rebounds and three assists while Kwaan had five rebounds and three assists.

Phoenix also got helped from Leh King Su, Qi Jun Chan, Pao Richard, Wong Matthew and Ong Melvin

Zhi Wei Eric Yii led the losing effort for the Bull with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes of playing.

Pak Soon Eddie Wong added 14 points and five rebounds while Jing Ung Ivan Chew contributed with 12 points.

Yiik Heng Julian Sia and Ping Sheng Ngien chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

“Team effort talaga. Swerte  na magagaling  mga kakampi ko dito sa Phoenix at nag-prepare kami para sa semis kasi halos araw-araw ang laro,” said Martinez, who was selected as No. 18 overall by Barangay Ginebra in the 2011 PBA Draft.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa boss namin, team owner Howechiews Sia and Manager Ahyin” added Martinez, also a former University of the East standout.

The 5-9 Martinez expressed his gratitude to those who have always supported him.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Catherine Vicencio ng Drip and Shots, kay madam Dahlia at madam Pinky ng Sakura Lounge Ph, Piere Lim ng Sportsology, The Third floor ni boss Gerald, boss Jett Maronilla, boss BC and Gino, boss Walther Buenavista, boss Dennis Chiang, John Rosagas ng Uratex, EOG Sports ni Jr Guevara at Pawlo Misolas ng Sprinto Shades as my official eyewear.”