Fuel Masters snap skid
Undermanned Phoenix shocks Meralco, 94-90
AN UNDERMANNED Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters put an end to their skid in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday, defeating the Meralco Bolts, 94-90, in their league clash at the The Arena in San Juan City.
Loser in its two previous matches, Phoenix stopped its bleeding with the win in a grind-itout game with rookie Matthew Wright proving to be clutch in the end.
The Fuel Masters took control of the opening half although they found themselves in a tight race as the match approached halftime.
Phoenix led Meralco, 22-19, at the end of the first period before seeing its lead narrowed down to a solitary point at halftime, 45-44.
The Fuel Masters struggled offensively in the third period, managing only to tally 20 points to the Bolts’ 31 to see themselves trailing 75-65 at the end of the quarter.
The team, however, would open the final canto strong, going on an 11-0 run in the first four minutes to reclaim the lead, 76-75.
The two teams jostled thereafter, exchanging buckets and stops.
Meralco took a two-point lead, 87-85, after Reynel Hugnatan hit a three-pointer with two minutes left.
Mr. Wright answered it with a triple of his own moments later to retake the lead.
The Bolts’ rookie Jonathan Grey hit a three-pointer to give his team a 90-88 advantage before Phoenix veteran Cyrus Baguio retaliated with a trifecta to move his team ahead, 91-90.
Mr. Wright would then hit three free throws inside 27 seconds to preserve the lead and win.
The Phoenix rookie finished with 22 points and eight rebounds while forward Mark Borboran had 17 markers and eight boards.
Mr. Baguio had 11 points and 10 assists for Phoenix which played sans stalwarts JC Intal (injured rib) and Willy Wilson (illness).
Meralco was led by Mr. Grey with 24 points.
“I’m just relieved that we came out with the win after losing our last two games with an average deficit of 31 points,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia after the game.
“I just challenged the boys to step up. I told them we just needed to win one game to get back on track. We got this and now we move to the next,” he added.
Phoenix and Meralco will be part of the final offering of the PBA for 2016 on Dec. 28 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Fuel Masters (3-3) take on the GlobalPort Batang Pier (3-1) in the opening match at 4: 15 p. m. while Meralco ( 2- 3) plays the defending champions San Miguel Beermen (4-1) in the main game at 7 p.m.