Phoenix spoils Romeo’s return, keeps quarterfinal hopes alive

Phoenix Fuel Masters vs Globalport Batang Pier. PBA IMAGES

Phoenix fanned its quarterfinal hopes, and spoiled the return of Terrence Romeo after turning back Globalport, 104-100 in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters ended their campaign in the elimination round with a 5-6 record and assured themselves of at least a playoff for the last quarterfinals spot on Sunday.

Phoenix had to grind it out in the payoff moments after the Fuel Masters lost a 31-point lead, 66-35, at the start of the third quarter thanks to GlobalPort’s blistering 20-6 run.

Romeo capped the Batang Pier’s comeback with a layup to trim the lead lead to four, 102-98 with 26 seconds left, but Jeff Chan and RJ Jazul iced the game for the Fuel Masters  from the free throw line with one charity apiece.

Phoenix head coach Louie Alas admitted they still lack the composure to hold on to their leads and finish strong.

“It’s a good thing that we had a huge lead because we don’t know how to finish until now,” said Alas. “If we didn’t have a big lead, we might be on the other side.”

Wright lit up for the Fuel Masters with 32 points with five rebounds and six assists, while Chan added 18 points, five boards, and five dimes.

Romeo had 20 points in his season debut while backcourt partner Stanley Pringle finished with a 16-point, 10-assist double-double.

Despite the loss and a twin 5-6 record, the Batang Pier are already secured of either the sixth or seventh spot in the standings due to quotient scores.