Phoenix roars back from 17-point down to nip Terrafirma

Phoenix Super LPG had to climb back from a double-digit deficit to open its 2021 PBA Governors' Cup campaign with a 103-100 escape against Terrafirma on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Paul Harris led the Fuel Masters with 24 points on 53 percent shooting from the field to go with 15 rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes of play.

Chris Banchero and Jason Perkins were also pivotal, churning out 18 markers each while Matthew Wright produced 17.

The Fuel Masters were trailing by 10 at halftime, 42-52, with Terrafirma's reinforcement Antonio Hester already pouring in 14 of his overall output.

The Dyip sustained their momentum in the second half, erecting a 77-67 cushion at the end of the third period with key players Reden Celda, Juami Tiongson, and Roosevelt Adams leading the way.

The fourth quarter, however, saw the odds go in Fuel Masters' favor.

The Topex Robinson-mentored club detonated for a 23-14 run to tie the match at 91-all after a huge three-pointer by Wright with 4:16 left in the game.

A triple by Aldrech Ramos quickly returned the advantage to Dyip, 94-91, but that was the last time Terrafirma would have the taste of the lead as Phoenix countered with a 12-6 blitz to finish the game.

Phoenix will next face the Blackwater Bossing on Saturday while Terrafirma will try to bounce back against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on the same day.

—MGP, GMA News