Kramer, Wright combine for winning play as Phoenix fends off TNT

Mo Tautuaa of TNT Ka Tropa and Doug Kramer of Phoenix Fuel Masters battle for the ball possesion during the 43rd PBA Philippine Cup in MOA Arena on Wednesday. PHOTO BY KC Cruz

Matthew Wright found Doug Kramer for the go-ahead basket with three seconds remaining as the Phoenix Fuelmasters defeated the TNT KaTropa, 74-72, on Wednesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Wright finished the game with 16 points, five boards, and two assists, while Jeff Chan and Gelo Alolino chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Troy Rosario, meanwhile, had to be wheeled off the court after a scary fall. He played 21 minutes for four points and eight boards.

A Mo Tautuaa make stretched TNT’s lead to five with six minutes left in the game, but Gelo Alolino and Jeff Chan connected on back to back baskets to tie the game at 67-all.

The two teams continued to be knotted with 44 ticks to go, as Matthew Wright hit a triple.

Off a timeout, Coach Nash Racal inserted Jayson Castro, and the veteran opted for a late attempt but missed.

Jason Perkins then secured the rebound for Phoenix, prompting the Fuelmasters to take a timeout for the final basket of the game with 19 seconds to go.

In the final play, Wright dished off to Doug Kramer for the go-ahead basket with three seconds remaining, shoving Phoenix ahead, 74-72.

TNT tried to regroup, calling another timeout to force overtime or win the game, but what would have been the equalizer for Kelly Williams didn’t fall, allowing Phoenix to take the win.

Anthony Semerad was the only starter who scored in double figures for TNT with 12, as Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, and Ryan Reyes combined for a paltry 5 of 28 clip. — BAP, GMA News