Matthew Wright put on his hero’s cape and saved Phoenix Pulse from Blackwater in overtime, 120-117, in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Filipino-Canadian shooter drilled the game-winning corner three-pointer over a phalanx of Elite defenders with 1.2 seconds left to play to cap off the Fuel Masters’ season on a high note.
Wright was also the one responsible for pushing the game into another five minutes, nailing a trey from the right wing with 3.1 ticks left in regulation after his side went down by as much as 14.
The third-year guard out of St. Bonaventure finished with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists as Phoenix Pulse ended its campaign in the season-ending conference with a 3-8 record.
“Talagang grabe ‘yun,” expressed coach Louie Alas of the big shots made by Wright. “Kaya ang dami kong misdirection plays sa kanya sa endgame para different looks.”
The win serves as a fitting send-off for Doug Kramer, who is hanging up his sneakers for good at 36. The 12-year pro played for over 19 minutes and had 10 rebounds, three points, and an assist.
“At least we ended on a winning note. ‘Yun naman ang gusto nila, para kay Doug daw,” said Alas.
Import Alonzo Gee led the Fuel Masters with 34 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. RR Garcia produced 17 points and four boards, while Alex Mallari added 10 markers.
Marqus Blakely had 37 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks to lead Blackwater, who constructed a 78-64 advantage in the third quarter only to cough it up.
Blackwater actually had a chance late as Roi Sumang was able to convert a three-point play off a Mallari foul with 3.7 seconds remaining until Wright came through on the other end.
Mac Belo produced 25 points and six rebounds in the loss that ended the Elite’s campaign at 2-9.
The Scores:
Phoenix 120 – Gee 34, Wright 28, Garcia 17, Mallari 10, Intal 9, Chua 9, Perkins 4, Jazul 3, Kramer 3, Napoles 2, Gamboa 1, Marcelo 0.
Blackwater 117 – Blakely 37, Belo 25, Canaleta 12, Sumang 10, Tolomia 9, Cruz 7, Dario 6, Salem 6, Trollano 5, Desiderio 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Javier 0.
Quarterscores: 22-16, 45-46, 73-81, 109-109, 120-117.
