Wright delivers as Phoenix clips TNT

Matthew Wright made big plays down the stretch to lift Phoenix over TNT, 74-72, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Wright hit the game-tying 3-pointer, 72-all, with 44.1 seconds left before setting up Doug Kramer for the game-winning basket with 3.0 ticks remaining.

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Interestingly, Phoenix head coach Louie Alas revealed Wright’s clutch triple and Kramer’s go-ahead bucket were off a similar play.

“Originally, it’s the same play as the previous play where Matt made the three points,” said Alas, whose squad overcame a double-digit lead in the second half. “But I told Matt that they will stay home on you so you have to read the defense they’re going to give you. It was a pick-and-pop and Wright made the good play.”

“It was his decision. He was the first option but I told Matt look for Doug if he gets doubled because Doug is going to be open.”

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The sharpshooting Fil-Canadian, who is celebrating his 26th birthday, finished with 16 points, five rebounds and three steals as the Fuel Masters notched their fourth win in eight outings to tie the KaTropa in fifth place. Kramer wound up with eight points and seven rebounds.

Anthony Semerad led TNT in scoring with 12 points while Roger Pogoy had 10.

It was bad offensive night for both teams, who shot only 37% from the field. The KaTropa suffered a double whammy after losing forward Troy Rosario early in the fourth quarter after a bad fall. Rosario had to be stretchered off and was taken to the Makati Medical Center for treatment. Phoenix point guard LA Revilla also hurt himself in the first quarter after injuring his right hand. He did not return.