PBA: Phoenix nabs QF spot after comeback win vs Meralco

MANILA — Phoenix is the second team in Group B to secure a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

This, as the Fuel Masters staged a second-half comeback to hack out a 105-101 win against Meralco, Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

They erased a 13-point deficit, which the Bolts installed earlier in the match, to eventually tally their fifth win in three matches, while sending the opposition to a 4-6 win-loss card.

Ricci Rivero led with 26 points to go with three triples, adding nine rebounds and seven assists, as debuting Marcellus Earlington chipped in 20 markers, 14 boards and five dimes.

Kai Ballungay added 17 points, while Ken Tuffin made his presence felt with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Gian Mamuyac had 10 markers.

Only a close 92-91 count at the 5:15 mark in the fourth frame, Rivero, Ballungay, Earlington, and Mamuyac all contributed to establish a 101-91 Phoenix lead, to which Meralco could not tear down as the Bolts struggled offensively late in the match.

Jordon Varnado’s 36-point output was for naught as the Meralco side could not capitalize on their lead against Phoenix.

PHOENIX –105  Rivero 26, Earlington 20, Ballungay 17, Tuffin 16, Mamuyac 13, Tio 10, Delos Santos 2, Escandor 1, Chua 0, Ando 0, Santos 0

MERALCO 101 – Varnado 36, Cansino 18, Quinto 14, Brickman 10, Newsome 7, Hodge 6, Banchero 6, Bates 4. Mocon 0

QUARTERS: 20-27, 42-52, 74-76, 105-101