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PBA: Wright powers Phoenix past Meralco

Justin Chua
Justin Chua of Phoenix battles Chris Newsome of Meralco during their PBA game at the AUF Sports Arena. PBA photo

Games Tuesday:

(Angeles University Sports Arena)

4 p.m.– Rain or Shine vs. San Miguel Beer

6:45 p.m. — Terrafirma Dyip vs. Talk N Text

ANGELES CITY — Phoenix Super LPG rode on Matthew Wright’s game-long brilliance to roll back Meralco, 116-98, in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup restart at the Angeles University Sports Arena and Cultural Center here Monday.

Wright finished 36 points, including 4-of-9 from the three-point area, for the Fuel Masters, who led by as many as 29 points, 92-63, against the Bolts.

Wright also had six assists and four rebounds in 38 minutes of action.

A 39-22 third-quarter explosion by Phoenix made the big difference in this duel between two teams hoping to turn the tables on the league heavyweights.

Jason Perkins and Justin Chua added 17 points apiece and RR Garcia contributed 14 points for the Fuel Masters, who are still hoping to get Calvin Abueva back in the line-up.

It was a rousing start for Phoenix and coach Topex Robinson, who replaced Louie Alas as head coach just before the start of bubble play.

Reynel Hugnatan led Meralco with 16 points, followed by Chris Newsome with 12.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer resumes its campaign for an unprecedented sixth straight All-Filipino title when its meets unpredictable Rain or Shine at 4 p.m.
Seven months after their 94-78 win over Magnolia, the Beermen make their debut in the bubble minus top player JuneMar Fajardo.

Fajardo was also not around when San Miguel won over Magnolia last March before the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the league’s 45th season.
In the other game, Talk N Text guns for its second straight win against debuting Terrafirma Dyip at 6:45 p.m.

The scores:

Phoenix (116) – Wright 36, Chua 17, Perkins 17, Garcia 14, Intal 7, Napoles 6, Jazul 5, Marcelo 4, Rios 4, Heruela 3, Reyes 3, Gamboa 0. Meralco (98) – Hugnatan 16, Newsome 12, Maliksi 11, Quinto 11, Salva 10, Hodge 9, Jose 8, Amer 7, Black 6, Pinto 4, Faundo 2, Caram 2, Almazan 0, Jamito 0, Jackson 0.
Quarterscores: 25-21, 53-41, 92-63, 116-98.