Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Jason Perkins and Jonathan Williams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix secured an unlikely twice-to-beat advantage going into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after holding off Meralco, 93-83, Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A three by veteran RJ Jazul with over a minute left gave the Fuel Masters a timely cushion and eventually got their eighth victory in 10 outings, becoming the second team to get the quarterfinal bonus.
Jason Perkins had 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting with eight rebounds while import Johnathan Williams came up with 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists as Phoenix gained the twice-to-beat for the first time since the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup bubble.
Tyler Tio put up 15 while Jazul added 13 for the Fuel Masters, who will finish second in the elims with a win over the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“We’re in a blind right now because we don’t know who we will face in the playoffs, so all are focus right now is on TNT,” said coach Jamike Jarin.
Meralco dropped to 7-3 as its woes from the outside along with a steady play by Phoenix hounded them throughout the contest.
And the loss could also be a blow for the Bolts in terms of their own bid for the twice-to-beat since they are now tied for third with the San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra.
Tiebreaker scenarios have Meralco behind due to their losses to San Miguel and Ginebra in the eliminations, and slip ups by both San Miguel Corporation sides may help the Bolts sneak a top four spot.
Meralco, which had 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists from import Shonn Miller in his second game since replacing Zach Lofton, faces Terrafirma on Friday at the Big Dome.
The result assured Magnolia of the top seed in the quarters even if it ends up tied with Phoenix at 9-2.
The scores:
PHOENIX 93—Perkins 22, Williams 19, Tio 15, Jazul 13, Tuffin 6, Mocon 5, Rivero 5, Alejandro 4, Verano 2, Manganti 2, Camacho 0, Soyud 0, Garcia 0.
MERALCO 83—Miller 19, Banchero 15, Newsome 13, Quinto 10, Black 8, Almazan 8, Rios 5, Hodge 5, Pascual 0, Maliksi 0, Bates 0, Caram 0.
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Quarters: 31-19, 54-47, 78-66, 93-83.