By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno 

MANILA – Phoenix checked its two-game skid in the PBA Governors’ Cup after trampling Terrafirma, 125-100, on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Despite losing Du’Vaughn Maxwell, the Fuel Masters protected their huge lead en route to taking down the now-slumping Dyip.

Maxwell was sent off with 6:32 left in the third period after he was charged with a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1, which came after he was whistled for a technical foul earlier in the game.

However, Phoenix even stretched its lead to as high as 31 points, 93-62, later in the third before eventually settling for the 25-point win.

Maxwell still ended up as the Fuel Masters’ top scorer with 20 points alongside 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

However, Jason Perkins and the returning Javee Mocon stepped up for his absence as they added 14 and 12 points, respectively, and snapped a two-game slide and tied their victims at 2-5.

Juami Tiongson put up 27 points, four rebounds, and three assists for the Dyip, who have now lost three straight games.

Jordan Williams, who has been explosive all conference long, was held to just 14 markers with 10 boards and two dimes against three turnovers. (PNA)