Phoenix pulls off victory against Blackwater for share of top spot

Phoenix Super LPG grabbed its share of the top spot in the elimination round after nipping Blackwater, 100-95, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Monday.

Trailing 79-71 early in the fourth period, the Fuelmasters ignited a 10-0 charge capped by a Matthew Wright shot to take the lead with 7:51 remaining.

Blackwater had a hard time recovering despite Don Trollano's and Mike Tolomia's attempts to salvage the game.

Calvin Abueva stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jason Perkins had his own double-double on 18 markers and 12 boards. Matthew Wright also chipped in 17 points.

Blackwater had the advantage, 45-34 at the end of the first half, before Phoenix made a 33-point rampage in the third quarter to trim their deficit 70-67.

With the win, Phoenix joins Barangay Ginebra and TNT at the top spot with a 7-3 card, before closing out the elimination round against Rain or Shine on Wednesday.

The eliminated Elite (2-8) listed its seventh straight loss and will play their last game against Magnolia on Wednesday.

Box scores:

Phoenix 100 – Perkins 18, Wright 18, Abueva 17, Heruela 15, Garcia 9, Jazul 9, Chua 7, Intal 6, Marcelo 2, Rios 0, Mallari 0.

Blackwater 95 – Calaneta 21, Belo 17, Trollano 13, Escoto 11, Tolomia 9, Magat 8, Sumang 8, Gabriel 4, Dario 2, Daquioag 2, Golla 0, Salem 0, Dennison 0.

—MGP, GMA News