The Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters has officially ended their losing slump after withstanding the late run of Alaska Aces, 78-76.
Coach Louie Alas takes a win in his return after he sat out due to two-game suspension.
Alex Mallari had a big fourth quarter as he led the Fuel Masters to a victory.
Mallari’s pass to Justin Chua from a pick-and-roll play gave their team a two-point advantage, enough for them to snag another victory.
Alex Mallari scored 15 points and grabbed four rebounds. He was later named as the Best Player of the Game.
Alaska and Phoenix are well-known having the same type of play that’s because of coach Alas and coach Alex Compton who were in the same team several times.
Prior to that game-winning play of the Fuel Masters, the Aces also had its own version when Vic Manuel made a football type of pass to the streaking Chris Banchero.
The catch was perfect despite him having two defenders at his side and ended with an easy layup.
Alaska paraded a new import as a replacement for Chris Daniels.
Nino Johnson made his PBA debut but it is clear that the Alaska reinforcement player is still adjusting.
He only delivered 6 points and 4 rebounds in his first assignment.
With their import struggling, Alaska locals tried to takeover. Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel led the Aces with their combined 28 points and 13 rebounds performance.
Phoenix ended Alaska’s three-game winning streak and they’re now improved to 2-3 record. The Aces on the other hand drops to 4-3 slate.
Alex Mallari and Justin Chua Winning Play
Phoenix vs Alaska Box Score
Quarters: 16-12 | 35-30 | 52-50 | 78-76
Fuel Masters (78) – Howell 24, Mallari 15, Wright 14, Chua 10, Intal 6, Revilla 6, Perkins 2, Jazul 1
Aces (76) – Banchero 18, Manuel 10, Thoss 8, Racal 8 Teng 6, Johnson 6, Casio 6, Cruz 6, Pascual 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Ayaay 2