Struggling Wright saves Fuel Masters at endgame

THROWING bricks all game long, Matthew Wright stuck in the game and hit the target at winning time.

Wright shook off Gabe Norwood's defense and nailed a turn-around shot - his lone field basket made in the game - with 2.6 seconds to go as Phoenix Super LPG survived a tough struggle and pulled off a 78-77 squeaker over Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DHVSU gym in Bacolor, Pampanga Thursday night.

"Matthew will win games for us and Matthew will lose games for us. No matter what, he'll take the shot," said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson.

Rain or Shine, which set the pace almost all throughout and led by as many as 17, had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Beau Belga missed the lastend of two crucial charities with 1.0 second left.

The Fuel Masters, thus, escaped with a first win in their last three games and second in six games in all. The Elasto Painters, meanwhile, dropped to 4-3.

"Everyone just stuck together, kept on fighting and it's just so nice to get back winning," said Jason Perkins who carried a big bulk as their top guns in Wright and Vic Manuel were limited to just five points together in this match.

Perkins stepped up and came through with a double-double game with 18 points and 12 rebounds, with RR Garcia also tossing in 18 markers including crucial bombs that carried the Fuel Masters ahead at 76-74 in the crunch.

A booming trey by Garcia tied the count at 74 then a short jumper from the left flank pushed them ahead.

Rain or Shine drew even on a banked shot by Gabe Norwood with time down to 25.2 seconds.

Wright was 0-of-15 from the field by that time, but the Fuel Masters still went to their main man for the biggest possession in the game.

"He'll find a way," said Robi nson.

Wright did just that to give Phoenix a triumphant start in the Bacolor play.(SB)

The scores:

Phoenix 78 - Perkins 18, Garcia 18, Banchero 14, Melecio 6, Pascual 5, Jazul 5, Muyang 4, Wright 4, Demusis 3, Manuel 1, Faundo 0, Calisaan 0, Napoles 0, Chua 0, Rios 0.

ROS 77 - Mocon 17, Belga 17, Torres 12, Santillan 8, Wong 6, Johnson 5, Guinto 4, Norwood 3, Asistio 3, Caracut 2, Nambatac 0, Tolentino 0, Ponferada 0, Borboran 0, Yap 0.

Quarters:15-24, 3543, 55-67, 78-77