PBA IMAGES
Phoenix ended a two-game slump and gave Ginebra a harsh welcome back with a 94-91 victory Saturday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City.
The Fuel Masters showed composure down the stretch as they closed out the crowd favorites, who was coming off a 26-day break, with four unanswered points in the last 18 seconds of the game.
A putback from Jameel McKay gave Phoenix back the lead before two pressured-pack freethrows from Matthew Wright with 7.6 seconds left put them ahead by three.
Ginebra had the chance to send the game into overtime, but could not get a decent shot up in the final possession to the dismay of predominantly Barangay crowd.
Wright’s clutch freebies capped an impressive statline of 27 points–his new career-high—six rebounds and three assists.
The Fuel Masters improved to 2-2 as they bounced back from back-to-back routs which saw Wright go scoreless for the first time in his young PBA Career.
The Gin Kings, who played their first game since losing to San Miguel in 5 games in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, were doomed by turnovers in the final minute.
With Ginebra up by one, Phoenix got its break after RJ Jazul forced a turnover with 30.5 seconds left and sued for time.
Coming off the time out, Norbert Torres missed an open three from the left corner but McCay was there to collar the rebound and nail the follow up.
Ginebra had ample time to regain the edge with a little over nine seconds remaining but LA Tenorio couldn’t take care of Devance’s pass.