Fuel Masters quickly move on from 3OT loss to Bolts

MANILA, Philippines – Despite blowing a 15-point lead and eventually losing in triple overtime to the Meralco Bolts in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal clash Wednesday, Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Jamike Jarin said there is "nothing and nobody to blame."

Phoenix led by 15, 77-62, at the 7:30 mark of the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by Tyler Tio.

Meralco then clawed back and tied the game at 84 with a buzzer-beating trey by Chris Newsome.

Phoenix import Johnathan Williams III, in the second overtime, had the chance to win the game, but he missed a pair of free throws with eight seconds left.

The Bolts then ran away in the third overtime as the Fuel Masters simply ran out of gas.

Jarin told reporters after the game that while the defeat was heartbreaking, they "cannot cry over spilled milk."

"We can't get mad at anybody right now. Like what you said, all our players, all the staff, coaches, we gave it our 110%. So, there's nothing to blame, nobody's to blame here," the coach said.

"That's why you work hard in the elimination to get the twice-to-beat advantage so you have that luxury. If you don't get it on the first try, you have another chance to get it. Another opportunity for us to get to the semis on Sunday," he added.

On Wednesday, three Fuel Masters finished the game with at least 20 points.

Williams had 24 points, 24 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a steal in more than 62 minutes of play. 

Tio and Jason Perkins had 20 points apiece.

Despite these, they could not secure the victory as the Bolts heated up in the third overtime period.

"It was really heartbreaking, but we can't cry over spilled milk. We just have to rest our bodies, watch the film and concentrate on the things that worked for us and work on the things that we need to improve on," he said.

"We're just gonna rest right now and eventually we'll get back to work," he added.

Jarin also stood by Williams, saying that despite the missed free throws, they still have full confidence in the do-it-all big man.

"He's our silent leader, so the free throws that he missed, that doesn't count. It was the result of the game," he said.

"Things happen like this. But we have full