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RJ Jazul rediscovered the scoring prowess he was known for in college and lost his career-high 33 points to lead Phoenix Super LPG to a crucial 110-103 win over defending champion San Miguel Beer on Thursday night. at the PBA Philippine Cup.
Jazul took the spotlight from the league’s leading scorer, Matthew Wright, and the spirited Calvin Abueva, scoring 23 points in the fourth quarter that allowed the Fuel Masters to pull away and end the Beermen’s three-game winning streak. .
He also set another personal best by making nine 3-pointers at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center as Phoenix edged out SMB to move in sole possession of third place at 6-3 while simultaneously becoming the third team to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
“You have to make him feel like you believe in him,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson, who has known Jazul since his days with the Alaska Aces when he was still an assistant.
“We have regressed from Alaska, and he knows that I trust him with all my heart and fight a lot, but I told him ‘if you’re open, keep firing that shot and you will make it, eventually.’ But again, RJ shooting those three is special for us, ”he added.
Jazul, considered for his offensive brilliance as a Caballero Letran for more than a decade, highlighted his performance with three consecutive 3s in response to SMB’s own 3s, which came within two points several times in the fourth.
It fulfilled the night when Wright stayed at 10 points and Abueva at seven. But Wright had seven rebounds and 10 assists and Abueva had 10 rebounds and added five assists.
Justin Chua also set his personal best with 17 rebounds, even as Jazul’s performance allowed Phoenix to set a franchise record for a single game of 22 3-pointers, also the fourth-most in PBA history.
Jason Perkins was also big for the Fuel Masters, scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds and guard RR Garcia scored 11 points before suffering an injury.
SMB failed in their attempt to create a three-way tie for the lead with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT, falling instead to a part of fourth place with Meralco at 5-3.
Mo Tautuaa finished with 21 points, Marcio Lassiter had 20 while Alex Cabagnot produced 20 points and eight assists for the Beermen in the loss.
Scores:
PHOENIX 110 – Jazul 33, Perkins 27, García 11, Wright 10, Abueva 7, Mallari 7, Marcelo 3, Ríos 3, Intal 2, Reyes 0, Heruela 0.
SAN MIGUEL 103 – Tautuaa 21, Lassiter 20, Cabagnot 20, Santos 11, Pessumal 10, Ross 6, Escoto 6, Gamalinda 5, Mamaril 2, Zamar 2, Alolino 0.
Quarters: 29-22, 52-53, 75-71, 110-103.
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