Phoenix escapes import-less Meralco

Sports

THE Phoenix Fuel Masters held strong in the endgame to overcome the import-less Meralco Bolts, 98-97, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night, July 15, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Phoenix led by as many as 15 points but allowed Meralco to surge ahead late in the game. Ken Tuffin saved Phoenix’s day by coming up clutch in the dying seconds, knocking down crucial free throws as Fuel Masters stayed unbeaten after two games.

Tuffin fired 17 points–none bigger than two free throws that put the Bolts ahead for good, 98-97.

The Bolts were forced to play an All-Filipino lineup due to the injury sustained by Jordon Varnado. Meralco has reportedly brought in Antonio Hester to replace Varnado.

CJ Cansino scored 18 points to lead Meralco, which also got 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Meralco main main Chris Newsome was limited to just six points, and committed three straight turnovers late in the game that hastened the Bolts’ downfall.

THE SCORES:

PHOENIX (98) - Johnson 26, Rivero 20, Tuffin 17, Perkins 13, Ballungay 6, Chua 6, Gozum 4, Tio 3, Santos 3, Delos Santos 0, Reavis 0.

MERALCO (97)- Cansino 18, Maliksi 16, Bates 14, Hodge 13, Almazan 10, Brickman 6, Newsome 6, Banchero 4, Black 4, Quinto 2, Magbuhos 2, Mocon 2, Rios 0.QUARTERSCORES: 31-22, 50-56, 73-75, 98-97.(CCM)