Wright lifts Phoenix past Magnolia

Matthew Wright sank a triple with two minutes remaining as the Phoenix Fuelmasters scored a come from behind victory against the Magnolia Hotshots, 89-97 in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

James White and Matthew Wright led Phoenix with 19 points apiece, while Willie Wilson tallied 17. Jason Perkins was the spark off the bench with 16 markers.

The Hotshots led by as many as nine points at the 5:48 mark after an Ian Sangalang basket, before Phoenix went on a 10-0 run to take an 85-84 edge heading into the final two minutes of the game.

Magnolia ended their drought with another Sangalang make, as the two teams when scoreless in the next minute and a half. Paul Lee then earned a trip to the line for a split and a two-point Magnolia advantage, 87-85, forcing the Fuel Masters to call for time.

Phoenix set up for the game-tying or game-winning shot, and Matthew Wright sank a triple with an extra freethrow with two seconds remaining to give his team the lead. PJ Simon missed the last-second triple to give the Fuel Masters the victory.

Vernon Macklin paced Magnolia with 25 markers and 17 boards, as Paul Lee led the locals with 20. Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.

With the win, Phoenix improved to 2-1 in the standings, while Magnolia is at 0-1. — DVM, GMA News