Phoenix A is Doremart Cup champion.
Martinez powers Phoenix to Malaysia crown
FORMER PBA player James Martinez is a champion once again.
Martinez erupted for 44 points and the Phoenix A clobbered Horse Warrior, 109-65, to capture the title in the Doremart Cup basketball tournament at the Sungai Antu in Sibu, Malaysia.
Martinez, who was named as the Finals MVP, went 16-of-26 from the floor, including 10 3-pointers, six rebounds and two steals in 38 minutes of action.
Chi Sheng Tan added a near triple-doubleof 15 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and four steals while Nicholas Yii contributed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Yoong Jing Kwaan chipped in a double-double of 10 points 14 rebounds and seven assists.
The Phoenix also got contributions from Melvin Ong, Victor Ko, Qi Jun Chan, Matthew Wong, Hanson Law, Lee King Su, Richard Pao and Andrew Ting.
.“Ang ganda talaga ng ending namin — 8-0 kami mula umpisa hanggang dulo. Perfect season ito para sa amin kaya naman masaya ako na nabigyan ko ng championship sina Boss Jowechiew Sia, manager Ahyin, at ang buong Team Phoenix,”said Martinez, who was selected as No. 18 overall by Barangay Ginebra in the 2011 PBA Draft.
“Masaya rin ako na naging Finals MVP, kaya talagang binibigay ko ang credit sa mga kakampi ko, lalo na kina Tan Chin Seng, Yoong Jong, Nicolas, Jun, Melvin, Hanson, Victor, at syempre sa buong team. Pati na rin sa coach naming si Toh Wee Kiung. Sobrang blessed ako na nakakapaglaro pa rin sa highest level at nakaka-contribute sa team na nilalaruan ko” added the 5-9 Martinez.
Ming Eng David Ho led the losing effort of the Horse Warrior with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting in 30 minutes of action.
Chong Hao Sylrester Siaw added 10 points and four rebounds while Ching Sing Tiong contributed eight points.
Long Qing Peter Pang and Jing Ji Dominic Wong chipped in with six points each in a losing cause.
Former University of the East standout Martinez expressed his gratitude to those who have always supported him.
“Walang hanggang pasasalamat kay Ma’am 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.”
