By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Phoenix Fuel Masters notched their second win in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup in dagger fashion, beating the debuting Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, 89-87, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Trailed for much of the contest, Phoenix showed tremendous grit and determination to keep coming back and hit the key baskets down the stretch to pull the rug from under Magnolia.
The Hotshots had it steady to begin the contest, topping the opening frame, 24-17, before holding a 10-point cushion by the halftime break, 45-35.
Magnolia continued to hold sway to begin the third canto as import Vernon Macklin and Paul Lee led their team to a 17-11 blast in the first six minutes to stretch their lead to 16 points, 62-46.
Phoenix though would claw its way back with Matthew Wright leading.
The Fuel Masters narrowed their deficit to 10 points, 70-60, by the 1:15 mark, cutting it further to seven, 70-63, heading into the payoff quarter.
Phoenix opened the fourth quarter with four quick points to slice Magnolia’s lead some more to 70-67.
The Hotshots were quick to stop the bleeding, outscoring their opponents,12-6, to create added separation, 82-73, with seven minutes left on the clock.
But Phoenix would continue to challenge Magnolia, coming to within a point, 84-83, as the match hit the final two and a half minutes.
Import James White completed their comeback as he gave the lead to Phoenix, 85-84, with 1:59 to go.
Ian Sangalang answered for Magnolia, 86-85, before Mr. Lee added a free throw to make it 87-85 with 15 ticks to go.
Given a window to salvage a victory, the Fuel Masters took advantage of it.
Off a timeout, Phoenix set up a play that gave Mr. Wright a chance to make things happen.
The Gilas Pilipinas member pulled back for a three-pointer, which he drained with 3.2 seconds to go, to give his team the lead, 88-87.
A free throw by Mr. Wright after off a technical foul charged to Magnolia for calling an excessive timeout sealed the victory for Phoenix.
Messrs. Wright and White each had 19 points for Phoenix while Willie Wilson added 17.
Mr. Macklin, meanwhile, had 25 points for Magnolia with Mr. Lee adding 20 points.
“It was a lucky shot but we will take it. We came out flat to start the game and good thing we were able recover. This is a big win for us heading to our next game.
Phoenix (2-1) next plays on Friday, May 11, against the NLEX Road Warriors while Magnolia (0-1) returns to action on Saturday, May 12, versus the GlobalPort Batang Pier.

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