Phoenix tries to extend its grip of the top spot when it clashes with fellow unbeaten Columbian Dyip in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters, who started the conference with two straight wins, battle the CJ Perez-led Dyip at 4:30 p.m.
Both winless in two games, sister-teams NLEX and TNT hope to break the bad spell as they shoot for their first victory in their encounter at 7 p.m.
Phoenix survived two overtimes to lead the all-Filipino conference along with NorthPort. In their recent dumping of the KaTropa, 84-93, Matthew Wright showed the way with his 23 points with seven coming in the extra period.
Alex Mallari added 15 points, while Calvin Abueva chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds. Last season’s Rookie of the Year Jason Perkins also had a significant contribution of 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Phoenix bucked a slow start and also weathered the career-night of TNT’s Roger Pogoy who exploded for 30 points, including a three-pointer with less than a minute to play that sent the game to overtime, 83-83.
Coach Louie Alas hopes that the streak continues.
“We’ll be happier if we get our third win,” Alas said.
Perez, the top overall pick, carried Columbian in a stunning debut over defending champion San Miguel Beer, 124-118, last Friday. The former Lyceum of the Philippines University star tallied 26 points that went with five rebounds.