PHOENIX Super LPG launched its campaign in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup on a high note, beating Terrafirma, 103-100, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Matthew Wright finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists as the Fuel Masters came charging back from 17 points down to escape with the victory on the second playing day of the season-ending conference.

Wright struck hardest in the fourth quarter as he nailed two three-point shots during a game-changing 23-4 run by the Fuel Masters that all but broke the back of the Dyip.

Paul Harris also had a successful return by scoring a team-high 24 points for the Fuel Masters, who rallied from a 50-67 deficit in the third quarter.

“We just kept on playing,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson. “We just kept on grinding. We just don’t want to give up, take our chances. It went down to defense and it helped our offense.”

Phoenix’s victory also spoiled the debut of Alex Cabagnot, who was acquired by Terrafirma in a blockbuster trade with San Miguel Beer.

Cabagnot had a solid all-around game for Terrafirma, finishing with 10 points,AA seven rebounds, and five assists in his first game.

Antonio Hester came through with a game-high 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Dyip, who were handled in the game by first assistant Gian Nazario with head coach Johnedel Cardel suffering from back spasms.

Juami Tiongson added 20 points.

In the second game, Rain or Shine outsteadied Blavkwater, 92-79..

Meanwhile, opening-day winners NLEX and Alaska Milk gun for their second straight win and a share of the lead when they tak ein seprate opponents today.

The Road Warriors test the mettle of NorthPort at 3 p.m. whule the Aces square off with San Miguel at 6 p.m.

Last Wednesday, NLEX pulled the rug from under San Miguel, 114-102, while Alaska held off NorthPort,87-85, to take openIng-day honors.

“We hope we can bring this momentum to our next game on Friday,”said NLEX coach Guiao.

His NorthPort counterpart, Pido Jarencio, expects the Batang Pier to play a lot better than their showing against the Aces last Wednesday.

“Actually, first game naming magkakasama. Pati tuneup hindi kami kumpleto. Ngayon lang nag-limahan iyan kaya nagkakapaan pa,” said Jarencio a day after the loss. “Sabi ko, adjust-adjust na lang. P’wede pa sanang manalo kaya lang medyo kulang, nabitin.”

One player who needs to make an adjustment is NorthPort camp is import Cameron Forte.

The Arizona-born, naturalized Jordanian wound up with 18 points and 15 rebounds but was taken out by Jarencio with still 6:34 left in the game.

Said Jarencio: “Hindi siya nag-ko-complement sa ibang players.Kaya ang sabi ko sa kanya: ‘You have to be an import. You have to be a game-changer.”

The scores:

First game

Phoenix (103)– Harris 24, Banchero 18, Perkins 18, Wright 17, Jazul 9, Muyang 6, Manganti 4, Garcia 3, Chua 2, Pascual 2, Rios 0, Melecio 0, Tamsi 0.
Terrrafirma (100) — Hester 28, Tiongson 20, Cabagnot 12, Ramos 9, Cahilig 8, Adams 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Celda 5, Gabayni 3, Camson 2, Pascual 2, Balagasay 0, Batiller 0.
Quarterscores: 30-25, 42-52, 67-77, 103-100.

Second game

Rain or Shine (92) – Walker 20, Nambatac 16, Mocon 16, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Jackson 5, Ponferada 4, Caracut 3, Asistio 3, Santillan 3, Tolentino 1, Torres 0.
Blackwater (79) — McCarthy 15, Amer 14, Ebona 14, Bond 13, Casio 10, Desiderio 5, Paras 3, Escoto 3, McAloney 2, Chauca 0, Daquioag 0, Canaleta 0, Torralba 0.
Quarterscores: 14-24, 35-41, 66-53, 92-79