31-Point Final Quarter Powers Phoenix Past the Bolts
Phoenix Super LPG erased a 13-point deficit to defeat Meralco, 105-101, and secure its PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal berth. The Fuel Masters improved to 5-3 after scoring 31 fourth-quarter points and completing their group-phase sweep of the Bolts.
Phoenix Erases 13-Point Deficit Against Meralco
Justine Bacnis of Tiebreaker Times covered Phoenix’s comeback Friday at Ynares Center after Meralco built a 13-point advantage. The Bolts remained ahead, 76-74, through three quarters before the Fuel Masters produced 31 points during the final period.
Phoenix coach Charles Tiu challenged his players at halftime after Meralco controlled significant stretches during the opening two quarters. His message emphasized greater toughness while reminding the Fuel Masters about the playoff consequences surrounding Friday’s important Group B matchup.
“We challenged the team that this is not the team that we know. It’s basically about not being soft. We’re acting as if we would not get eliminated if we don’t get the win. That’s the challenge,” said Tiu about their second-half fightback.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times on Facebook
Tiu Challenges Fuel Masters at Halftime
Tiu questioned Phoenix’s toughness during halftime while emphasizing the elimination consequences attached to another potentially costly Group B defeat. The Fuel Masters eventually erased Meralco’s 13-point advantage before outscoring the Bolts during a decisive 31-point fourth-quarter performance.
Earlington Scores 14 Points in Fourth Quarter
Marcellus Earlington delivered 14 of his 20 points during the fourth quarter as Phoenix completed its comeback against Meralco. The new Fuel Masters import also collected 14 rebounds and five assists, completing a double-double during his first Phoenix appearance.
Earlington connected from three-point range with 3:06 remaining, extending Phoenix’s advantage to 99-91 during the decisive closing stretch. The Fuel Masters later completed a 9-0 scoring run that pushed their advantage to 101-91 with 2:37 remaining.
Phoenix Uses 9-0 Run to Take Control
Phoenix turned its fourth-quarter surge into a 101-91 advantage after scoring nine consecutive points against Meralco during the closing minutes. Kai Ballungay contributed during that stretch and finished with 17 points as the Fuel Masters protected their advantage afterward.
Rivero Leads Phoenix With 26 Points
Rivero paced Phoenix with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists during the Fuel Masters’ comeback victory over the Bolts. He finished one rebound and three assists short of a triple-double while recording the team’s highest individual scoring total.
Kenneth Tuffin added 16 points and 10 rebounds, becoming Phoenix’s second double-double performer alongside Earlington during Friday’s victory. Ballungay scored 17, Gian Mamuyac added 13, and Tyler Tio contributed 10 as six Fuel Masters reached double figures.
Six Fuel Masters Reach Double Figures
Phoenix received double-digit scoring from Rivero, Earlington, Ballungay, Tuffin, Mamuyac, and Tio during its four-point comeback victory over Meralco. Rivero led that group with 26 points, while Earlington supplied 20 and Ballungay contributed another 17 during the playoff-clinching result.
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Phoenix Clinches PBA Quarterfinal Berth at 5-3
Phoenix improved to 5-3 and officially secured its Governors’ Cup quarterfinal berth after completing its group-phase sweep against Meralco. The Fuel Masters became Group B’s second confirmed quarterfinalist after Magnolia previously secured qualification by defeating Barangay Ginebra, 112-93.
Phoenix still has two elimination-round games remaining, with Barangay Ginebra preceding its October 23 matchup against Rain or Shine. Tiu said the Fuel Masters intend to pursue both remaining victories while improving their position entering the quarterfinal round.
“Hopefully we can still go for the win sa last two games for a better seed,” said Tiu as they will finish their eliminations against the Elasto Painters on Oct. 23.
Fuel Masters Continue Chase for Better Seed
Phoenix enters its final two elimination games already qualified but still pursuing a stronger position before the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. The Fuel Masters face Barangay Ginebra before completing their group schedule against Rain or Shine on October 23.
Meralco Finishes Group Stage With 4-6 Record
Meralco completed its Group B schedule at 4-6 and must await other results before learning its final quarterfinal status. Jordon Varnado led the Bolts with 36 points, seven rebounds, and four assists during Friday’s four-point defeat against Phoenix.
CJ Cansino contributed 18 points and five rebounds, while Bong Quinto scored 14 and Jason Brickman finished with 10. Meralco entered the fourth quarter leading 76-74 before Phoenix scored 31 points during the final period to complete its comeback.
Varnado Scores 36 Points in Losing Effort
Varnado’s 36 points represented the game’s highest individual scoring total, while Cansino added another 18 during Meralco’s final group assignment. The Bolts nevertheless finished their schedule at 4-6 after Phoenix overturned a 13-point deficit and secured the 105-101 victory.
Analytical Breakdown: Phoenix Found Its Offensive Balance
Phoenix’s balanced scoring made Earlington’s fourth-quarter surge harder to contain because Meralco could not overload defensively toward one threat. Rivero’s scoring, rebounding, and playmaking gave Phoenix another versatile creator while keeping teammates consistently involved throughout the comeback. The Fuel Masters become more dangerous in the quarterfinals if their defensive urgency appears before opponents establish another double-digit advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Phoenix qualify for the PBA quarterfinals?
Phoenix secured its Governors’ Cup quarterfinal berth after defeating Meralco, 105-101, and improving its Group B record to 5-3.
Who led Phoenix against Meralco?
Rivero led Phoenix with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists during the Fuel Masters’ comeback victory.
How did Marcellus Earlington perform?
Earlington recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists while scoring 14 points during the decisive fourth quarter.
What is Meralco’s final group-stage record?
Meralco finished Group B competition at 4-6 and must wait for other results to determine its quarterfinal qualification.
Who does Phoenix play next?
Phoenix next faces Barangay Ginebra before completing its elimination-round schedule against Rain or Shine on October 23.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Manila Bulletin.
