PHOENIX started its ambitious quest to join the PBA's elite as it dismantled Kia, 118-105, on Wednesday night as the Governors' Cup got going at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters led from start to finish then broke away in the final canto for a steong start in the season-ending conference.
Kia Picanto vs Phoenix Fuel
EVENTS: 2017 PBA GOVERNORS CUP
Eugene Phelps, known for his 50-point outbursts in his debuts, settled for still solid numbers of 33 points and 14 boards, while RJ Jazul sparked the late salvo against one of the teams that denied them of a top six finish in the Commissioner's Cup.
The Final Scoreboard Result:
PHOENIX 118 - Phelps 33, Intal 19, Jazul 18, Eriobu 12, Baguio 11, Dehesa 9, Alolino 8, W. Wilson 4, Kramer 2, J. Wilson 2, Lanete 0, Hayes 0, Borboran 0, Miranda 0.
KIA 105 - Cummings 31, Galanza 15, Jaime 11, Revilla 10, Paniamogan 9, Caperal 8, Khobuntin 7, Teng 5, Corpuz 4, Celda 3, Camson 2, Ballesteros 0, Elorde 0, Salva 0.
Quarters: 33-24, 57-48, 83-75, 118-105.