Meralco pulled the plug on Phoenix’s comeback and held on to a crucial 92-86 victory in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, March 5.
Playing on their fifth game in 11 days and without import KJ McDaniels in the waning minutes, the Bolts found the extra energy to lock down Fuel Masters defensively and preserve the lead.
The win not only allowed Meralco to wrap up the eliminations with a 7-4 record but also kept them in the race for the top 4 spots which will merit a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
McDaniels put up another solid outing, posting 19 points and 17 rebounds but had to watch the final minute of the contest from the bench after fouling out.
Without the focal point of the Bolts defense, Chris Newsome made his presence felt in Meralco’s last two defensive possessions – first blocking Phoenix import Du’Vaughn Maxwell before completing a huge steal that led to a Raymon Almazan slam on the other end.
That proved to be the dagger to the hearts of the hard-fighting Fuel Masters as the Bolts stretched the lead back to eight after it was cut down to just six in the final minute after leading by as many as 15 points midway through the final frame.
Aaron Black finished with 18 points while Chris Banchero chipped in 13 to provide support to McDaniels. Newsome, who struggled offensively shooting just 3-of-13 from the field, made up for it with nine assists to go along with eight rebounds and the all-important steal and block.
The Bolts tried to pull away from the tight contest courtesy of a 14-3 rally behind McDaniels, Black and Banchero and established a 90-75 lead with 4:47 remaining.
The Fuel Masters, looking to catch the last bus to the playoffs, battled back and retaliated with a 9-0 counter attack to come within six, 90-84. Phoenix had multiple chances to inch closer but came up dry in its last three possessions.
Maxwell finished with 29 points while Encho Serrano added 20 – all of which went for naught as the Fuel Masters finished the eliminations with a 4-7 slate and now need to hope that the NorthPort Batang Pier drop their last game against TNT to avoid a do-or-die match for the eighth seed.