Wright shines as Phoenix survives Meralco to end two-game skid

MANILA, Philippines – The rookies from both squads came to play with Matthew Wright shining brightest as he led the Phoenix Fuel Masters to a 94-90 squeaker victory over the Meralco Bolts in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, December 21, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Wright, a shooting guard selected in the special Gilas draft in October, dropped a team-high 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, to go with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

Mark Borboran provided support with his 17 points and 8 rebounds, while another rookie in former National University guard Gelo Alolino supplied 11 markers, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals as the Fuel Masters recovered from back-to-back losses for a 3-3 record.

Cyris Baguio also had 11 points as Phoenix won the endgame shootout over Meralco, with Baguio burying the last of 4 straight treys from both sides for the last lead chance, 91-90, with 1:12 to play.

Meralco’s own rookie Jonathan Grey was not to be left out of the splash party, draining one from downtown to briefly give the Bolts the edge with 1:25 remaining, and going on to finish with a game-high 24 points off the bench.

Reynel Hugnatan, who sparked the 3-point barrage with just under two minutes on the clock, added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Cliff Hodge had a double-double of 12 markers and 11 boards.

Yet another rookie, Ed Daquioag, likewise showcased his wares with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 30 minutes of action.

Meralco has now lost two games in a row and dropped to a 2-3 slate.

Scores:

Phoenix (94): Wright 22, Borboran 17, Baguio 11, Alolino 11, Enciso 7, J.Wilson 7, Torres 6, Caperal 5, Hayes 4, Lanete 4, Javillonar 0, Miranda 0.

Meralco (90): Grey 24, Hugatan 15, Hodge 12, Daquioag 11, Yeo 9, Amer 7, Nabong 4, Newsome 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Caram 2, Chua 2, Uyloan 0.

Quarter scores: 22-19, 45-44, 65-75, 94-90.

– Rappler.com