PBA: Phoenix overcomes Meralco to book QF ticket

Phoenix erased an early 13-point deficit to beat Meralco, 105-101, on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo and secure a spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

The Bolts held a 35-22 lead early in the second quarter before closing the first half with a 52-42 advantage.

However, the Fuel Masters turned things around. After trailing 76-70 late in the third quarter, Gian Mamuyac’s late basket and Ken Tuffin’s free throws brought Phoenix within two, 76-74, heading into the final frame.

Phoenix eventually tied the game at 78 early in the fourth quarter before the two teams traded baskets in a tightly contested final period.

After holding a slim 92-91 lead, Ricci Rivero ignited a 9-0 run for the Fuel Masters to widen the gap with 2:38 remaining. Jordon Varnado halted Phoenix’s momentum before Cellus Earlington helped the team restore a double-digit lead.

Varnado drilled a late four-pointer to cut the deficit, but Earlington sealed the victory with another basket, while Bong Quinto’s four-pointer came too late for Meralco.

Earlington finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, while Rivero tallied 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.

The win spoiled Varnado’s 36-point eruption for the Bolts.

With the victory, Phoenix improved to 5-3, while Meralco finished the conference with a 4-6 record and will have to await the outcome of other games to determine its quarterfinal chances.

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.

Quarters: 20-27, 42-52, 74-76, 105-101.

—JKC, GMA News