PBA: Defiant Phoenix rises from the ashes, forces Game 4 vs. Magnolia

Phoenix Super LPG refused to go down without a fight, erasing a double-digit deficit to stun Magnolia, 103-85, in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, Phoenix avoided a sweep of the best-of-five series and forced a Game 4 on Wednesday in the same venue.

Eager to extend the series, the Fuel Masters flipped the switch in the third period to overcome what once stood as a 21-point deficit and establish a 71-67 lead ahead of the fourth.

Phoenix outscored Magnolia, 33 to 16, in that frame with import Johnathan Williams, Kenneth Tuffin, and Sean Manganti leading the rampage.

RJ Jazul then caught fire in the fourth, igniting for four three straight three-pointers to send Phoenix to an 85-71 cushion before Jason Perkins completed a three-point play for an 88-73 lead.

Magnolia's Calvin Abueva also converted a three-point chance of his own, 91-78, before the veteran forward fouled out with 5:27 left to play.

But the Fuel Masters retaliated with a 14-7 closing run to complete a wild comeback win.

Six Fuel Masters poured in double digit scoring with Williams finishing with a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds on top of four assists and two blocks while Jazul tallied 17 markers, three boards, three dimes, and a steal to starred for the local support.

Tuffin, Manganti, and JVee each chipped in 14 points while Perkins chimed in with 13.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News