Phoenix erected a furious fourth-quarter rally to hack out a hard-fought 103-97 come-from-behind win over ailing Rain or Shine to earn a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.
Eugene Phelps and Calvin Abueva listed powerful double-double performances to lift the Fuel Masters.
Each scored 18 points, with Phelps adding 20 rebounds and seven assists for a near triple-double, while Abueva added 12 boards.
Trailing through three quarters, the Fuel Masters woke up in the final 12 minutes to flip the script and turn the tides in their favor.
A key 14-6 run gave them the lead, 98-93, after an LA Revilla triple with 1:18 remaining.
Stunned like a deer in the headlights, the Elasto Painters were unable to answer back, surrendering the game helplessly.
The win allowed Phoenix to formally clinch a berth in the quarters with its 7-3 record.
Furthermore, it kept its spot at No. 4 and enhanced its chances of ending in the top four.
Matthew Wright added 17 for Phoenix.
On the other hand, the loss proved to be very costly for Rain or Shine, which lost its third straight game and fell to 2-7.
The Elasto Painters only have a slim chance of entering the top eight given their current position at No. 10.
Rain or Shine led 84-74 at the end of three quarters, but got outscored, 29-13, in the final frame as it quickly lost control.
Phoenix slowly but surely stayed within striking distance before hitting hard down the stretch to snatch the game.
Chris Tiu led all scorers with a game-high 24 points for Rain or Shine.
The scores:
Phoenix 103—Abueva 18, Phelps 18, Wright 17, Revilla 13, Chua 12, Perkins 10, Jazul 7, Intal 3, Wilson 3, Kramer 2, Alolino 0.
Rain or Shine 97—Tiu 24, Yap 14, Ponferada 11, Ahanmisi 10, Borboran 9, Nambatac 8, Morwood 7, Washington 6, Watson 4, Daquioag 2, Maiquez 2, Torres 0.
Quarters: 27-21, 50-55, 74-84, 103-97.