Wright, Fuel Masters stun Tropang Giga

Wright, Fuel Masters stun Tropang Giga

Wright, Fuel Masters stun Tropang Giga
PBA

Wright, Fuel Masters stun Tropang Giga

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MATTHEW Wright has just reclaimed his familiar role as leader of Phoenix Super LPG. Wright notched 27 points and 10 assists and made one of the biggest defensive plays in the dying seconds to lead the Fuel Masters over TNT, 93-92, Sunday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Wright, seemingly content to take the backseat to Chris Banchero before the latter opted out and eventually signed up with Meralco, also finished with three steals, the last off Jayson Castro which he translated into a fastbreak layup for the final go-ahead basket, only 1.3 ticks left.

During their last timeout the Tropang Giga designed one final play that would have the inbounding Gab Banal issuing an alley-oop pass to Troy Rosario. But an alert Jason Perkins was there to block the shot and the final buzzer sounded while the two sides were still trying to get full possession.

As a result of its second straight win and first in the tournament resumption Phoenix improved its slate to 4-2 that tied it at fourth-running spot with NLEX, the same team it beat in its last match on Christmas Day.

The fact his team was able to withstand the loss of Banchero and limited practice time with new import Dominique Sutton to overcome the recent Philippine Cup champion obviously pleased Fuel Masters coach Topex Robinson.

"There were a lot of things that happened to our team, but I guess we just stayed the course," said Robinson. "We focused on the things that we need to focus on and played our hearts out against a strong team like TNT."

RJ Jazul came off the bench to score 16 points, while starters Jason Perkins and Sean Manganti had at least 10 points each in making up for a low offensive night from Sutton, who only had 13 points.

"It's always gonna be everybody helping each other out. Our regular scorers might struggle a bit but whoever has a chance to contribute in any way that they can, especially defensively, that's really much appreciated on this team," said Robinson.

Mikey Williams finished with 22 points, including 13 in the fourth period, while Aaron Fuller only had 11 points but pulled down a tournament-high 23 rebounds to banner TNT, which absorbed its second straight loss and is now 2-4.

The Tropang Giga still put up a gallant stand despite the absence of the injured Poy Erram and Roger Pogoy, overcoming an early 12-point deficit and even leading by 85-76, midway in the fourth period.

Phoenix would not be so easily stymied, however, with Jazul stringing up five straight points to spark the fightback. A triple by Manganti and a three-point play by Sutton fueled that surge before Perkins' layup cut the deficit to 91-92, still 27 seconds left. (NC)

The Scores:

PHOENIX 93 - Wright 27, Jazul 16, Sutton 13, Perkins 12, Manganti 10, Pascual 4, Chua 3, Rios 2 Garcia 2, Robles 2, Melecio 2, Demusis 0, Camacho 0.

TNT 92 - M. Williams 22, Banal 18, Rosario 11, Fuller 11, Castro 11, Montalbo 9, K. Williams 6, Alejandro 4, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Marcelo 0.

Quarters: 21-15, 44-41, 72-70, 93-92. (PBA)

 

(Photo credits to: Rappler)