Phoenix ends years-long skid vs San Miguel as defending champs stay winless

Phoenix Fuel Masters secured a significant 109-103 victory over the defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, October 12. This win marked Phoenix's first over San Miguel in 10 games, with their previous triumph dating back to the 2020 All-Filipino tournament. The loss handed San Miguel its worst two-game start in four years, highlighting a surprising shift in the early season dynamics.

Ricci Rivero was instrumental for Phoenix, scoring half of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and contributing 7 rebounds and 3 assists. The team built a lead as large as 16 points in the fourth quarter, but San Miguel rallied with a 17-5 run to narrow the gap to 101-105 in the final minutes. Key free throws from Rivero and Evan Nelle sealed the win. Additional contributions came from Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay, each with 14 points, and Jason Perkins with 13 points, helping Phoenix improve to a 1-1 record. This game also represented the first head coaching victory for Willy Wilson, who emphasized the psychological boost of defeating a champion team.

San Miguel, led by June Mar Fajardo's 19 points and 22 rebounds, suffered its first 0-2 start in the Philippine Cup during Fajardo's era, a rare occurrence since the 2021 Governors' Cup. The Beermen's struggles contrast with Phoenix's resurgence under Wilson, who aims to rebuild a team that finished the previous season with an 8-25 record.