Petron's Import Fazekas scores 45 points in Blaze win over Air 21

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Petron is slowly but surely adjusting to its new offensive philosophy.
“Before, slow lang opensa naming. Ngayon, we’re using our quickness sa mga ball screens namin,” said Petron coach Ato Agustin after the Boosters booked a 102-88 triumph over the Air 21 Express on Wednesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Guards Alex Cabagnot and Denok Miranda provided the quickness as they combined for 25 points while Arwind Santos contributed 12.
But it was import Nick Fazekas who did most of the damage as he finished with a season-best 45 points and 22 rebounds for the Boosters, who notched their second consecutive win after losing their first two games.
He was the first player to have at least 40 points and 20 rebounds since B-MEG import Clif Brown did it in the 2010 Fiesta Conference.
The Boosters bucked a slow start and made a run in the second period by turning to their defense. They held the Express to just a lone field goal during an eight-minute stretch as Petron turned a 31-22 deficit to a 45-36 lead off a Cabagnot lay up with a minute to go before the half time break.
Air21’s only field goal in that span came from import Marcus Douthit, who had a jumper in the 6:18 mark. He also ended the long stretch with a dunk in the last 45 seconds of the period.
Fazekas and the Boosters delivered the knockout blow in the fourth quarter as they scored 30 points in the final period to put away the Express.
It was the first loss for Air 21, who debuted with a 97-88 win over Barako Bull last February 19.
The scores:

Petron (102) – Fazekas 45, Cabagnot 13, Santos 12, Miranda 12, Ildefonso 7, Agustin 6, Yeo 3, Doruelo 2, Tugade 2, Reyes 0.

Air 21 (88) – Douthit 23, Duncil 18, Jazul 12, Ritualo 12, Isip 10, Omolon 6, Sison 4, Sena 2, Hubalde 1, Escobal 0.

Quarterscores: 22-27; 48-39; 72-69; 102-88.

source: interaksiyon.com