PBA: Phoenix breaks into win column with victory vs. NorthPort; Converge moves up standings

The Phoenix Fuel Masters scored their breakthrough win of the conference after a 115-109 victory over erstwhile undefeated NorthPort on Tuesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Phoenix import Donovan Smith tallied 32 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a big performance. Jason Perkins chipped in with 24 markers as the Fuel Masters broke into the win column after opening the tournament with four consecutive losses.

Veteran RJ Jazul also came up big, scoring eight of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, including a big three-pointer that made it an eight-point game, 110-102, just outside the last two minutes.

The Batang Pier, who dropped to 5-1, was led by Kadeem Jack’s 28 points and 16 boards.

In the other game, the Converge FiberXers held off the NLEX Road Warriors to secure a 102-91 win.

Import Cheick Diallo had a huge game with 37 points and 18 rebounds to lead Converge in the win.

Alec Stockton added 16 points, including five in the team’s 9-0 run in the fourth quarter that turned an 84-82 lead into a more comfortable 93-82 advantage.

NLEX tried to mount a comeback with Baser Amer and Robert Bolick both knocking down four-point shots to get back to within six, 96-90.

But Diallo closed the game strong, scoring the last six of the FiberXers’ points to help clinch the win.

Converge (3-2) moved up the standings after knocking NLEX down to 3-3.

Jordan Heading also posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists to help lead Converge.

NLEX import Mike Watkins put up big numbers as well with 36 points and 23 rebounds while Bolick finished with 26 markers and six assists.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News