The Phoenix Fuel Masters strengthened their bid for a quarterfinal berth after surviving the Meralco Bolts, 105-101, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks.
Marcellus Earlington also made an impressive PBA debut, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.
The game remained tight until the fourth quarter, when Phoenix unleashed a 9-0 run to build a 101-91 lead with just two minutes and 38 seconds remaining.
Meralco tried to mount a comeback behind Jordan Varnado and Bong Quinto, but the Bolts failed to close the gap.
Kai Ballungay added 17 points, while Ken Tuffin chipped in 16 for the Fuel Masters.
Varnado paced Meralco with a game-high 36 points, while CJ Cansino contributed 18.
With the victory, Phoenix improved to a 5-3 record to claim second place in Group B, behind the Magnolia Hotshots. Meralco, meanwhile, wrapped up its elimination-round campaign with a 4-6 record.
(Photo Courtesy: PBA)
