Phoenix import Eugene Phelps drives against NLEX’s Eman Monfort, Bong Galanza (7), Dave Marcelo (10) and Larry Fonacier (12) during PBA Season 43 Governors’ Cup action at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. PBA Media BureauPHOENIX and import Eugene Phelps gave head coach Louie Alas a fitting birthday present.Riding on the 51 points and 20-rebound performance of Phelps, the Fuel Masters gave Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) a 123-97 beating on Wednesday for a spot in the quarterfinal round of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 43 Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.The Fuel Masters raced to a 34-18 lead at the end of the first quarter and then established an insurmountable 76-35 cushion early in the second half to crush the Road Warriors' hopes of a comeback.With the win, Phoenix now holds a 6-1 win-loss record.“Good bounce back game after losing to Ginebra last time. I just told them not to lose two in a row and we’re back now. I didn’t expect that rout to happen,” said Alas, who celebrated his 55th birthday. “I told you we’d never talk about my birthday maybe tonight.”Calvin Abueva added 17 points while Matthew Wright produced 10 points and seven assists. Jason Perkins, the probable run away Rookie of the Year winner this season, contributed nine points and eight rebounds, while Willie Wilson had eight points also for the Fuel Masters.“Me and this gym got a love and hate relationship,” said Phelps. “This is my second 50-ball here when the last time. I was drained and tired. But today is different. It is a love and hate relationship with this gym. So like I said, we got the win and I don’t care about the 50-ball. The win is what matters to me.”The last time Phelps scored 50 points at the Cuneta Astrodome was against Blackwater. He 53 points in that 118-116 double overtime win last March 18, 2017.Import Aaron Fuller notched 38 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Road Warriors, who dropped to a 4-4 win-loss record.Scores:Phoenix 123 - Phelps 51, Abueva 17, Wright 10, Perkins 9, Wilson 8, Intal 7, Revilla 5, Jazul 3, Guevarra 3, Mendoza 3, Eriobu 3, Chua 2, Gamboa 2, Alolino 0, Kramer 0.NLEX 97 - Fuller 38, Galanza 13, Fonacier 10, Tiongson 6, Monfort 5, Ighalo 4, Quinahan 4, Marcelo 3, Baguio 3, Rios 3, Miranda 3, Tallo 3, Soyud 2, Paniamogan 0, Taulava 0.Quarters: 34-18, 71-33, 94-67, 123-97.
