RR Garcia steadied the ship while Brandone Francis put on the finishing touches as Phoenix finally got over the hump and took down Blackwater, 119-114, to pump some life to its flickering playoff hopes in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Sept 15.

Garcia poured 16 of his 20 points in the final frame as the Fuel Masters, despite leading by as many as 20 in the second half, still had to overcome some tense moments down the stretch to pull off their breakthrough win.

Phoenix remained at the bottom of the Group B standing with a 1-7 record but the win was still enough to keep them mathematically in contention for a playoff spot although its fate no longer depends on its hands alone.

With two games remaining, Phoenix needs to sweep all of its games and hope that NLEX and Blackwater both lose all of its last assignments.

Still, Phoenix would not be in that position if not for Garcia who scored 14 of Phoenix’s last 23 points – including 10 straight that kept the Fuel Masters afloat against the rallying Bossing who came within two, 90-88, early in the fourth.

Francis, who nailed two clutch triples and a pair of free throws to ice the game, had 23 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists while Jason Perkins added 19 points and nine rebounds.

Ricci Rivero also had 14 points while rookie Kai Ballungay added 12.

George King exploded for 32 points but was held scoreless in the final frame when Blackwater needed him the most. Sedrick Barefield carried the scoring load for Blackwater with 16 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 30.