Wright fuels Phoenix in rout vs Meralco, gives Robinson his first win as interim coach

Matthew Wright pumped 36 points to lead Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters' rout against Meralco Bolts, 116-98, in the elimination round of the PBA Philippine Cup on Monday.

Phoenix exploded for 39 points on the third quarter while limiting Meralco to only 22 points. Wright himself had 14 markers in the frame to help his team carry a 92-63 lead heading into the final period.

Meralco's charge was not enough to cut the deficit, eventually giving Topex Robinson his first win as Phoenix's interim head coach.

Wright dedicated his performance to the late Kobe Bryant.

"Since Kobe's passing, there's not a day that I didn't think about him. I'm dedicating my performance to Kobe and I'm wearing his shoes for the whole conference," said Wright.

The Los Angeles Lakers earlier won the NBA 2019-20 title.

Jason Perkins and Justin Chua chipped in 17 apiece for Phoenix.

Calvin Abueva did not suit up for the Fuelmasters, as he is still waiting for the league to lift his suspension.

However, he has already attended a seminar sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board, which is part of the conditions for the reinstatement of his professional license.

For now, "The Beast" is inside the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga while waiting for the go signal to return to action.

Hugnatan led the charge for Meralco with 16, while Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi made 12 and 11, respectively.

Phoenix will play again on Thursday against Northport, while Meralco will try to bounce back against Alaska on Wednesday. 

Box score: 

Phoenix 116 — Wright 36, Perkins 17, Chua 17, Intal 7, Garcia 4, Napoles 6, Jazul 5, Rios 4, Marcelo 4, Reyes 3, Heruela 3, Gamboa 0

Meralco 98 — Hugnatan 16, Newsome 12, Maliksi 11, Salva 10, Hodge 9, Jose 8, Amer 7, Black 6, Pinto 4, Caram 2, Jackson 0.

—MGP, GMA News