Genebra was leading on points in the final quarter but the Fuel Masters took the lead when import Jameel McKay sunk the go-ahead basket with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Kings failed to convert in the remaining seconds as Joe DeVance and L.A.Tenorio faltered in their attempt to tie the game.
The Fuel Masters scored a 94-91 win over the perennial crowd favorite and improved their record to 2-2 in the midyear PBA series.
Rookie Matthew Wright fueled Phoenix to victory after sinking 27 points mostly from the outside. He also contributed six rebounds and three assists. It was Wright’s new career-high performance.
“The Matthew Wright that we know showed up,” Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia said after the game. “He really lifted us today.”
“But it was a team effort,” he was quick to add. “Cyrus also delivered, and Jameel and Norbert controlled the rebounds,” Vanguardia added.
Phoenix’s import Jameel McKay also contributed 27 points as he scored points on difficult angles with the towering Japeth Aguilar blocking his way to the ring.
Top scorers for Genebra were Joe Devance and Japeth Aguilar with 15 points each. Genebra’s import Justin Brownlee ended with 12 points after suffering cramps.
The Kings lost to San Miguel in their last season finals following a series of losses in the elimination. San Miguel is set to play their first game in the ongoing series Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
