Phoenix Fuel Masters’ BJ Johnson during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix escaped a depleted Meralco side, 98-97, to improve to 2-0 in Group B of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The Fuel Masters took advantage of a Bolts squad missing import Jordan Varnado, who sat out with a calf injury.
“This is a lucky break that we caught when Meralco didn’t have their import,” said coach Charles Tiu.
“But, give credit to them, they did really well, they easily could’ve gotten this game. It’s not our best game, we’re not much in sync but we played a really good team that’s always a contender so it’s nice to get that win.”
Phoenix led 94-91 late in the fourth quarter before Meralco answered with a 6-0 run to grab a 97-94 advantage with 1:19 remaining.
What appeared to be a winning stretch for the Bolts quickly unraveled as costly miscues sent the Fuel Masters to the free-throw line.
Phoenix capitalized, going 4-for-6 from the stripe in the final minute to escape with the one-point victory.
BJ Johnson led the Fuel Masters with 26 points and six rebounds, while Ricci Rivero added 20. Ken Tuffin and Jason Perkins chipped in 17 and 13 points, respectively.
CJ Cansino and Allein Maliksi tallied 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the Bolts while Brandon Bates had a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds.