Johnathan Williams and Jason Perkins joined hands to steer Phoenix past Meralco, 88-84, and arrange a semifinal clash against top seed Magnolia in the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, Jan. 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fuel Masters, who were disarmed of their quarterfinal twice-to-beat advantage, bounced back from their previous 116-107 defeat last week against the Bolts.

With the win, Phoenix reached the semis of an import-laden conference for the first time behind the efforts of NBA veteran Williams, who delivered a double-double performance of 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Perkins carried out a double-double outing of his own with 19 markers and 13 rebounds.

The Fuel Masters unloaded a third-quarter onslaught to sit on top of a 77-59 lead, their biggest of the match off Javee Mocon’s free throws heading onto the fourth.

However, the Bolts went on a determined 11-0 counter-attack in the closing quarter capped by Cliff Hodge’s huge and-1 play at the 8:21 mark.

Perkins, though, finally rediscovered Phoenix’s scoring touch in the fourth quarter with a layup before Meralco came within earshot off Shonn Miller’s freebies, 79-75.

Before Meralco could pull off a complete comeback, Phoenix came to its senses and headed towards the victory.

Hodge, Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi led the Bolts’ balanced scoring with 15 points apiece in the losing cause.

Miller, for his, put up a double-double performance of 12 markers and 12 rebounds, while Bong Quinto had 11 points.