ANTIPOLO — Meralco sustained its winning ways after dealing an injury-riddled Phoenix its first defeat of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup by pulling off a 93-86 decision on Saturday night at the Ynares Center here.
The Bolts leaned on the usual suspects and Javee Mocon to pull away in the fourth quarter on the way to netting their second victory in as many games, in the process stopping the Fuel Masters who were erstwhile unbeaten at 2-0.
Acquired from NLEX via trade, the versatile wing gave themselves the lead for good by going perfect from the free throw line to break a 77-all deadlock.
Aaron Black and Chris Banchero came through shortly after, before Bong Quinto knocked down a key four-pointer to push their lead to 89-78 with less than five minutes left as the quartet strung together a 12-1 run to put it away.
(C) PBA Images
“Our first stringers took care of the job, and it was complemented well by the bench. The second group put up a good job in the third to build a cushion for us, then the first group returned to complete the job,” said Coach Luigi Trillo.
Five players finished in double figures for Meralco, with Chris Banchero top-scoring with 17 points alongside four rebounds and four assists.
Jason Brickman tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as the veteran internationalist submitted his best game in the league to date.
“As Coach said, I’m dealing with a groin injury. But I’m eager to play, I don’t want to miss games,” said the 34-year-old, the third-oldest rookie to play in the PBA.
“I know all the games are important. The regular season is very important to get a good spot for the playoffs. I don’t want to miss games,” he added.
Marvin Jones only had 15 points–14 less than what he had against Converge–although he collared 15 rebounds and also had two blocks.
Chris Newsome had 11 points as CJ Cansino chipped in 10 in a subtle flex of depth, as they did take advantage of being complete in taking down a Fuel Masters team that missed a number of players due to injuries.
(C) PBA Images
Coach Charles Tiu didn’t have star guard Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay, while Jason Perkins played limited minutes due to a knee contusion.
“Medyo kulang ang Phoenix as they played without Kai Ballungay and with Jason Perkins just playing a bit. They’re very important in what they do,” Trillo offered. “But even without those guys, they did a good job in this game.”
James Dickey III led Phoenix with 28 points and 21 rebounds, with Ricci Rivero and Kenneth Tuffin backing him up with 22 and 11 points, respectively.
Both teams will return to action next week. Phoenix will take on the 3-0 Terrafirma on Wednesday, before Meralco battles Rain or Shine on Friday.
The Scores:
Meralco 93 – Banchero 17, Brickman 16, Jones 15, Newsome 11, Cansino 10, Quinto 8, Black 6, Mocon 4, Magbuhos 2, Almazan 2, Hodge 2, Bates 0,
Phoenix 86 – Dickey 28, Rivero 22, Tuffin 11, Santos 9, Nelle 6, Perkins 4, Escandor 3, Caperal 2, Cullar 1, Delos Santos 0, Ando 0, Daves 0
Quarterscores: 18-23, 47-49, 73-71, 93-86.
