PBA: Jayjay Alejandro, Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin lead Phoenix 4th quarter surge vs NLEX

Jayjay Alejandro, Ricci Rivero, and Ken Tuffin led the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters' fourth quarter rally to overcome the NLEX Road Warriors, 113-101, on Friday in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alejandro drilled five triples all in the final frame en route to his 18-point output. Ricci Rivero and Ken Tuffin also joined Phoenix' three-point party in the fourth period.

The fourth quarter saw Phoenix outscore NLEX, 35-15, as the Road Warriors closed the third period with the lead, 86-78. NLEX led by as much as 16 points, 85-69, at the 2:52 mark of the third quarter.

Phoenix reinforcement Jonathan Williams stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Tuffin had 16 points, while Rivero added 15 points. 

NLEX import Thomas Robinson had 26 points, while Don Trollano led the locals with 20 points.

Phoenix will return to action on Sunday against the Magnolia Chicken Hotshots Pambansang Manok, while NLEX will face the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, both games to be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Scores:

Phoenix 113 – Williams 26, Alejandro 18, Tio 17, Tuffin 16, Rivero 15, Mocon 11, Jazul 5, Muyang 3, Daves 2, Soyud 0, Camacho 0, Perkins 0, Verano 0, Manganti 0.

NLEX 101 – Robinson 26, Trollano 20, Alas 18, Anthony 15, Semerad 9, Nieto 6, Marcelo 3, Rodger 2, Miranda 2, Rosales 0, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 27-25, 49-60, 78-86, 113-101.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News