Meralco downs Phoenix to secure third win

The Meralco Bolts grabbed their third win at the expense of misfiring Phoenix Super LPG, 91-80, to remain atop of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup standings on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Fuel Masters were able to cut a 21-point deficit to 10 after back-to-back baskets by Vic Manuel to bring the score at 73-63, still in favor of the Bolts.

But the wards of Meralco head coach Norman Black averted a late-game meltdown to stave off the Fuel Masters.

A three-pointer each from Mac Belo and Allein Maliksi started the fire for the Bolts, 81-63. Cliff Hodge then sank a basket to widen the gap at 90-71 before Phoenix's Matthew Wright drilled a triple, 90-74.

Wright drained another trey, 91-80, but it was not enough to steal the win from the Bolts.

Maliksi steered Meralco with team-high 24 points to go along with seven rebounds and two assists while Chris Newsome chipped in 23 markers and seven dishes.

Phoenix, who dropped to 1-3, was led by Wright who carved out game-high 29 points and three assists.

—MGP, GMA News