Phoenix clinches 2nd seed in playoffs after come-from-behind win vs Rain or Shine

Phoenix Super LPG clinched the no. 2 seed in the quarterfinals after a gritty come-from-behind win against Rain or Shine, 90-88, at the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday.

The Fuelmasters controlled the first half but they were limited to 13 points in the third quarter, which allowed the Elasto Painters to take a 66-59 lead heading into the final period.

Rain or Shine established its largest cushion of the game at 80-66 with nine minutes left, but Phoenix got back within striking distance after a 9-0 run.

Back-to-back triples from RJ Jazul and another trey from Justin Chua put them just one point behind, 85-84.

With 38 seconds on the clock, Jason Perkins hit the go-ahead basket and Calvin Abueva added two more points. Chua hit insurance free throws with four seconds remaining, but Rey Nambatac drained a last-gasp triple at the buzzer to trim the margin to two points.

Perkins poured in 30 points and eight rebounds while Chua had 21 for the Fuelmasters, who finished the elimination round with an 8-3 card.

The E-Painters, meanwhile, dropped to eighth seed with their 6-5 card after the loss.

Box score:

Phoenix — Perkins 30, Chua 21, Wright 11, Abueva 7, Jazul 6, Intal 5, Heruela 3, Garcia 3, Napoles 2, Rios 2, Mallari 0, Marcelo 0.

Rain or Shine — Mocon 13, Ponferada 13, Belga 12, Yap 8, Nambatac 7, Torres 7, Araña 6, Onwubere 6, Doliguez 6, Borboran 4, Rivero 2, Norwood 2, Rosales 2, Tolentino 0, Wong 0.

—MGP, GMA News