Titan Ultra staged a furious fourth-quarter rally to claim a 127-119 victory over Phoenix on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, keeping its bid for a PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals spot very much alive.
Calvin Abueva spearheaded the Giant Risers’ charge with a dominant 35 points and 17 rebounds, while Aris Dionisio, Jerick Balanza, Fran Yu, and Joshua Munzon provided timely support to secure Titan Ultra’s second consecutive win.
The victory improved the Giant Risers’ record to 4-6, leaving them on the brink of a possible tie for the eighth and final quarterfinals berth.
Their fate now hinges on their final elimination game against Barangay Ginebra on Dec. 21, as well as the outcomes of Meralco’s clash with Converge and Ginebra’s remaining schedule.
(C) PBA Images
“Etong game na ito important sa amin kasi one step na lang. Ginebra na lang, quarters na,” Abueva said after the win. “Kaya it’s a good thing na nandito kami ngayon, nakikipagsapalaran sa mga matataas na team and eto, huwag na naming sayangin ito.”
Dionisio contributed 21 points and nine rebounds, while Munzon also scored 21, including a crucial four-pointer that put Titan Ultra ahead 121-117 with just 30.7 seconds left.
Balanza added 17 markers, and Yu chipped in a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists.
Johnedel Cardel was pleased with how his team battled back from two 11-point deficits in the third quarter, outscoring the Fuel Masters 31-26 in the final frame.
“This time ipinakita ulit ng Titan na pag lahat sila nag-contribute in offense and defense madaling manalo,” Cardel said. “May isa pang game so we’ll see what happens on Sunday’s game versus Ginebra. But at least may chance pa kaming makapasok.”
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For Phoenix, Jason Perkins led all scorers with 24 points, but the Fuel Masters fell short in their bid to close out the conference on a high note, ending their first campaign under coach Willy Wilson with a 3-8 record.
The Scores:
Titan Ultra 127 – Abueva 35, Dionisio 21, Munzon 21, Balanza 17, Yu 14, Flores 11, Ular 2, Javillonar 2, Sangco 1, Ambohot 0.
Phoenix 119– Perkins 24, Santos 18, Tio 16, Rivero 12, Nelle 11, Ballungay 10, Taha 7, Kwekuteye 6, Garcia 6, Tuffin 5, Manganti 2, Ando 2.
Quarterscores: 27-32, 56-60, 86-91, 127-119.
