Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13) – Sharp shooter Matthew Wright delivered when it mattered the most for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters as they claimed the last PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals ticket with a 101-98 win over NorthPort Batang Pier.
Wright, who had an off night offensively with only 11 points, rose to the occasion after converting a layup with a foul by NorthPort’s Jamie Malonzo under 30 seconds remaining in the contest. The Fuel Masters team captain sank the bonus free-throw for a 100-98 lead.
The Batang Pier made a crucial turnover in the next possession after guard Roi Sumang’s pass to veteran forward Arwind Santos went out of bounds.
Phoenix guard RR Garcia scored the last point of the game from a free-throw trip, as NorthPort import Jamel Artis and Jerrick Balanza missed three-point shots that could have sent the game into overtime.
“We didn’t give up. We were struggling the whole game. We just made a lot of stops in the fourth quarter,” Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson said, lauding the efforts of the team in the knockout game.
Fuel Masters import De’Vaughn Maxwell led all scorers in with 31 points and 13 rebounds, spearheading a big third quarter Phoenix run after trailing by as much as 15 points in the first half.
Garcia and Jason Perkins added 19 and 18 markers, respectively, and were both instrumental in changing the momentum of the game in the fourth period.
Phoenix will have a tough task ahead in the quarterfinals as they need to beat league leader Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots in two games for a semifinals seat.
NorthPort, already eliminated from the competition, was led by Jamel Artis with 21 points and star guard Robert Bolick with 19.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 101 – Maxwell 31, Garcia 19, Perkins 18, Jazul 11, Wright 11, Demusis 4, Rios 3, Manganti 2, Melecio 2, Pascual 0, Robles 0
NORTHPORT 98 – Artis 21, Bolick 19, Malonzo 15, Santos 14, Sumang 14, Ferrer 6, Balanza 4, Rike 3, Taha 2
Quarterscores: 18-31, 46-55, 76-79, 101-98
