Phoenix rallies to beat Meralco, advances to quarters

Sports

SOME unpleasant pep talk at halftime was all it took to fuel the Phoenix Fuel Masters as they nipped the Meralco Bolts, 105-101, to advance to the quarterfinal round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday night, Oct. 16, at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.

Phoenix had a flat first half, falling behind by seven at the end of the opening period, 20-27, and by 10 at the turn, 42-52.

In a televised postgame press briefing, Phoenix coach Charles Tiu disclosed that the Fuel Masters got an earful from him following the team’s lethargic first-half performance.

"There were not so pleasant words said, and the team responded," said Tiu. "We challenged the team that this is not the team that we know. It's basically about not being soft. We're acting as if we would not get eliminated if we don't get the win. That's the challenge."

Phoenix got back in the game behind a 32-24 run in the third period and sustained the momentum in the tightly fought fourth quarter to complete the come-from-behind win.

With the win, the Fuel Masters assured themselves of a quarterfinal spot in Group B after nailing a fifth win in eight games. Meralco fell to 4-6, keeping Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater’s quarterfinal hopes very much alive. The Kings and the Bossing are currently 3-5.

Ricci Rivero showed the wauy for Phoenix with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Jordon Varnado erupted for 36 points for Meralco, which suffered its first loss in three games with him as import.

THE SCORES:

PHOENIX (105) - Rivero 26, Earlington 20, Ballungay 17, Tuffin 16, Mamuyac 13, Tio 10, Delos Santos 2, Escandor 1, Chua 0, Ando 0, Santos 0.

MERALCO (101) - Varnado 36, Cansino 18, Quinto 14, Brickman 10, Newsome 7, Hodge 6, Banchero 6, Bates 4, Mocon 0.QUARTERSCORES: 20-27, 42-52, 74-76, 105-101.(CCM)