The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters limited Meralco to just eight points in the first six minutes of the last period and their big effort on defense yielded them an 89-82 upset of the Bolts on Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
Kaleb Wesson, a 6’10” power forward, punctured the hoops with 23 points and 13 rebounds as he towed the Fuel Masters to their third straight triumph in six outings.
After forcing the Bolts to six turnovers, the Fuel Masters led by 13 on Wesson’s three-point play in the remaining 35 seconds of the third, 73-60.
Encho Serrano drilled in 14 points for the Fuel Masters, who joined the Blackwater Elite and NorthPort Batang Pier in a share of fourth.
“We knew everyone’s gonna play. We focused on us and we really pounded it on defense,” said Fuel Masters’ coach Topex Robinson.
Serrano’s pullup jumper in the final 9:13 of the fourth saw the Fuel Masters ahead by 19, 82-63.
The Bolts then struggled after they got limited to eight points in the first six minutes of the last period.
Tyler Tio banged in 14 points, including a trey with 3:03 left to keep the Fuel Masters in front, 87-77.
After the Bolts got over their poor scoring situation, Aaron Black managed to put Meralco within range with his trey in the last 2:37, 80-87.
But Wesson’s jumper with 1:40 left proved enough as the Fuel Masters gained enough distance to hang on to the win.
Bong Quinto hit 22 points for the Bolts, who dropped near the bottom of the standings at 1-4.