Wilson on Phoenix's SMB stunner: We can beat a champion team

The Phoenix Fuel Masters pulled off an upset by defeating the reigning champion San Miguel Beermen with a score of 109-103 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, marking the second upset of the day. This victory provided rookie head coach Willy Wilson with his first win and instilled belief in the team's ability to beat a champion squad, while also ending Phoenix's ten-game losing streak against San Miguel and improving their record to 1-1.

Phoenix began the game strongly, establishing a 54-40 lead by the second quarter. They maintained their performance in the second half, effectively preventing a comeback by San Miguel to secure the win at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, October 12.

Key performances included San Miguel's superstar June Mar Fajardo, who was relatively quiet in the first half with only 5 points and 8 rebounds but improved in the second half by scoring 14 points. Don Trollano contributed 10 points in the final half, including a layup that briefly gave San Miguel the lead. For Phoenix, Evan Nelle played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense with 10 assists.