MANILA, Philippines — The Phoenix Fuel Masters continued their impressive start to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, overcoming a determined Meralco Bolts squad with a dramatic 98-97 victory on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite facing a Meralco team that played without an import, Phoenix needed a late-game hero to preserve its unbeaten record. That hero came in the form of Kenneth Tuffin, who calmly sank two pressure-packed free throws with just 13 seconds remaining, giving the Fuel Masters the lead for good and lifting them to a 2-0 record in the conference.
The thrilling contest featured multiple momentum swings, clutch baskets, and a tense finish that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Tuffin Stays Composed When It Mattered Most
With Phoenix trailing 97-96 in the closing seconds, Tuffin stepped to the free-throw line after drawing a crucial foul. The versatile forward showed remarkable composure under immense pressure, converting both attempts to put the Fuel Masters ahead by a single point.
Meralco still had one final opportunity to steal the game. The Bolts turned to CJ Cansino for the potential game-winner, but Phoenix’s defense held firm, forcing a difficult attempt that missed the mark as time expired.
The clutch defensive stop capped off a resilient effort by Phoenix, which had to grind out every possession against a determined Meralco side.
Tuffin finished the game with 17 points, but his biggest contributions came in the final moments when every possession carried enormous weight.
COURTESY: ABS-CBN
Robert Johnson III Continues to Lead the Offense
While Tuffin delivered the decisive points, Robert Johnson III once again powered the Fuel Masters offensively.
Johnson poured in 26 points while grabbing six rebounds, consistently attacking the defense and creating scoring opportunities throughout the contest. His ability to score from multiple areas of the floor helped Phoenix remain within striking distance during critical stretches of the game.
Johnson’s offensive consistency has become one of the biggest reasons behind the Fuel Masters’ unbeaten start in the Governors’ Cup.
Ricci Rivero Provides All-Around Impact
Another standout performer for Phoenix was Ricci Rivero, who produced one of his most complete performances of the conference.
Rivero contributed:
- 20 points
- 6 rebounds
- 5 assists
Beyond the numbers, Rivero supplied valuable energy on both ends of the floor, making timely baskets while also facilitating the offense whenever Meralco tightened its defensive coverage.
His versatility continues to make him one of Phoenix’s most reliable contributors.
Meralco Nearly Pulls Off the Upset
Although the Bolts entered the contest without an import, they pushed the Fuel Masters to the limit.
Meralco actually seized a 97-94 advantage with just over a minute remaining after Brandon Bates split a pair of free throws, putting Phoenix under tremendous pressure late in the fourth quarter.
The Fuel Masters had opportunities to tie or regain the lead, but both Tuffin and Johnson initially split their free throws, allowing the Bolts to remain ahead.
However, Meralco failed to capitalize on its final offensive possessions.
A missed attempt by veteran guard Chris Newsome shifted momentum back to Phoenix. In the scramble that followed, Newsome fouled Tuffin, setting up the game-winning free throws.
Bates Anchors the Bolts Inside
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Brandon Bates delivered an outstanding performance in the paint.
The hardworking big man recorded a double-double with:
- 14 points
- 15 rebounds
His rebounding dominance gave Meralco several second-chance opportunities and helped keep the Bolts competitive throughout the night.
Meanwhile, CJ Cansino led Meralco in scoring with 18 points, while veteran shooter Allein Maliksi chipped in 16 points, providing timely perimeter shooting whenever Phoenix threatened to pull away.
Shooting Woes Prove Costly
The biggest obstacle for Meralco proved to be its inefficient shooting.
The Bolts converted only 38.5 percent of their field-goal attempts, forcing them to rely heavily on hustle plays and offensive rebounds to stay within striking distance.
Phoenix also left points at the free-throw line, making only 25 of 35 attempts, but ultimately delivered when it mattered most thanks to Tuffin’s clutch pair in the closing seconds.
Phoenix Shows Early Signs of Contending
The Fuel Masters may not have produced their cleanest performance, but good teams often find ways to win even on difficult nights.
Phoenix displayed resilience after trailing late, relying on defensive discipline and composure under pressure to secure another victory.
Starting the conference with consecutive wins provides valuable momentum as the Governors’ Cup schedule begins to intensify.
If Johnson continues to produce at a high level, Rivero maintains his all-around consistency, and Tuffin keeps delivering in crunch time, Phoenix could emerge as one of the teams to watch this season.
Final Score
PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup
Smart Araneta Coliseum
Phoenix Fuel Masters 98
Meralco Bolts 97
Phoenix Top Performers
- Robert Johnson III — 26 points, 6 rebounds
- Ricci Rivero — 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- Kenneth Tuffin — 17 points, including the game-winning free throws
Meralco Top Performers
- CJ Cansino — 18 points
- Allein Maliksi — 16 points
- Brandon Bates — 14 points, 15 rebounds
Phoenix improves to 2-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, while Meralco absorbs a tough defeat after falling just one defensive stop short of pulling off a gritty win despite playing without an import.
