PBA: Phoenix leans on Wright’s hot hand to fend off Blackwater

Matthew Wright of Phoenix Fuel Masters. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Hot down the stretch, Matthew Wright knocked down a tough triple in the final second of the extra period to power Phoenix past Blackwater, 120-117, Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Wright, who helped the Fuel Masters claw from 10 down in the payoff frame, ended up with 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Import Alonzo Gee had a team-best 34 points, while RR Garcia tossed in 17 more to help put a halt to Phoenix’s five-game slide in the Governors Cup.

The Elite, which took control midway the contest, got the goods from Marqus Blakely and Mac Belo, who fired 37 and 25, respectively.

Phoenix thus ended its conference with a 3-8 record, good for 11th place.

Blackwater, meanwhile, finished with a 2-9 card for the bottom spot of the league.

The Scores

Phoenix 120 – Gee 34, Wright 28, Garcia 17, Mallari 10, Intal 9, Chua 9, Perkins 4, Jazul 3, Kramer 3, Napoles 2, Gamboa 1, Marcelo 0.

Blackwater 117 – Blakely 37, Belo 25, Canaleta 12, Sumang 10, Tolomia 9, Cruz 7, Dario 6, Salem 6, Trollano 5, Desiderio 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Javier 0.

Quarterscores: 22-16, 45-46, 73-81, 109-109, 120-117.