Phoenix gifted Topex Robinson a win in his PBA head coaching debut with a 116-98 romp over Meralco in the Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation on Monday, October 12.

Matthew Wright erupted for 36 points on top of 6 assists and 5 rebounds as the Fuel Masters, now under the tutelage of Robinson, breezed through the most lopsided game yet in the PBA bubble.

Robinson took over the coaching reins after the team discontinued the services of Louie Alas.

“Matt told me he was going to give me this win,” Robinson said. “He is a winner, he knows that.”

Phoenix still played without suspended star Calvin Abueva, who is still in the process of acquiring his professional license from the Games and Amusements Board.

But the Fuel Masters hardly needed Abueva as they buried the Bolts by as many as 29 points, 92-63, in the second half.

Meralco led 16-9 early in the opening quarter before Phoenix erected a 13-1 run anchored on 9 points from Wright, who shot 11-of-23 from the field and 4-of-9 from long range, and never looked back.

Jason Perkins had 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Fuel Masters, Justin Chua chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while RR Garcia added 14 points off the bench.

Reynel Hugnatan put up 16 points for the Bolts, who saw action for the first time since losing the Governors’ Cup finals to Barangay Ginebra in January.

Meralco missed Raymond Almazan, who is in the bubble in Clark but sat the game out as he still nurses the meniscal tear he suffered last season.

Chris Newsome finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Allein Maliksi and Bong Quinto had 11 points apiece in the loss.

The Scores

Phoenix 116 – Wright 36, Perkins 17, Chua 17, Garcia 14, Intal 7, Napoles 6, Jazul 5, Marcelo 4, Rios 4, Heruela 3, Reyes 3, Gamboa 0.

Meralco 98 – Hugnatan 16, Newsome 12, Quinto 11, Maliksi 11, Salva 10, Hodge 9, Jose 8, Amer 7, Black 6, Pinto 4, Faundo 2, Caram 2, Jackson 0.

Quarters: 25-21, 53-41, 92-63, 116-98.

– Rappler.com