By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Phoenix Fuel Masters gave their PBA Philippine Cup campaign a big boost after fashioning out a “dig-deep” victory yesterday over the TNT KaTropa, 74-72, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Still middling halfway into the elimination round of the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) tournament, Phoenix (4-4) earned a much-needed win over TNT (4-4), banking on collective resilience and big plays from sophomore Matthew Wright down the stretch.

The KaTropa had the Fuel Masters under control in the opening half as they dictated the tempo on both ends of the court.

They held a 24-20 lead at the end of the first canto before making it further difficult for the Fuel Masters to stay ahead, 40-30, by the halftime break.

Phoenix came out aggressive to start the third period, outgunning TNT, 11-5, in the first four minutes to narrow the gap, 45-41.

But the KaTropa would string up five straight points after to give themselves more breathing space, 50-41, midway into the frame.

The Fuel Masters kept angling to get back in the game with Jeff Chan and Gelo Alolino leading the charge.

TNT, however, was able to find ways to keep their opponents at bay as auxiliaries Harvey Carey and Francis Tamsi provided quality contributions.

The KaTropa maintained the upper hand, 61-56, after the first 36 minutes of the contest.

The start of the fourth period was held momentarily after TNT forward Troy Rosario fell hard on the floor and hit his chin following an inadvertent push from Phoenix rookie Jason Perkins, who tripped on the foot of veteran Kelly Williams of the KaTropa, in the opening seconds.

Mr. Rosario was stretchered off the court moments later to be brought to the hospital and be checked.

Phoenix capitalized on the lull and moved to within one point, 61-60, at the 10:17 mark of the quarter.

The two teams kept each other in check in the next three minutes, with TNT holding a narrow one-point cushion, 63-62, with 7:26 to go in the game.

Back-to-back baskets by Mr. Williams and Mo Tautuaa extended TNT’s lead to five points but a three-pointer by Mr. Alolino with five minutes remaining pulled Phoenix to within two points, 67-65.

Mr. Chan tied the count at 67-all a minute later.

The protagonist jockeyed hard to position themselves in the race down the wire.

TNT held a 70-69 lead with two minutes remaining before RR Pogoy added to it with a deuce, 72-69, with 1:44 to go.

Mr. Wright levelled the score anew at 72-all, with 44 ticks on the clock.

The KaTropa had the chance to take the lead back but Jayson Castro’s heave off a drive failed to connect.

Phoenix collared the rebound and sued for time to set up a game-winning play.

Milking the clock as much as they can, the Fuel Masters got the go-ahead basket they were looking for as Mr. Wright found an open Doug Kramer who buried a drop shot from the side with three seconds left.

TNT set up one last play to salvage its bid but Mr. Williams’s shot in the paint as time expired did not go in, giving the win to Phoenix.

Mr. Wright top-scored for Phoenix with 16 points while Mr. Chan added 11 markers.

Mr. Perkins had eight points to go along with 10 boards.

Anthony Semerad finished with 12 points for TNT, with Mr. Pogoy adding 10.

“We’re happy with this win because we put ourselves in the mix for a spot in the top half of the standings. But we have a tendency to taper off every after victory and hopefully we don’t fall into that again in our succeeding games to help our cause,” said winning coach Louie Alas after their victory.

Phoenix battles the Meralco Bolts in its next game on Feb. 14 while TNT plays Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings on Sunday, Feb. 11.

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