Phoenix salvages semis spot

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix went full throttle against Meralco early and this time drove all the way to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Wiser after their bungled job four nights before, the fourth-seeded Fuel Masters held tough until the end after zooming ahead to secure an 88-84 clincher last night at the MOA Arena.

Johnathan Williams III and Jason Perkins started the fire then led the quashing of the Bolts’ familiar second-half fightback as Phoenix made good on its second shot at the Final Four following its 107-116 triple-overtime loss Wednesday.

Jamike Jarin’s wards sealed a best-of-five date with top seed Magnolia to the delight of supporters led by team owner Dennis Uy.

“Credit goes to everyone. We all worked our butts off,” said Jarin, whose gritty bunch sent Phoenix to its first semifinal appearance since the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark.

“Of course, nobody predicted at the start that we’d be in the Top 4. We’re happy to make it to the semifinals and we’ll continue to play harder and hopefully things go our way,” he added.

Williams scattered 21 points, 16 rebounds and two assists while Perkins netted 19, six of them in the fourth that kept Phoenix afloat after Meralco threatened to within four at 79-75.

Skipper RJ Jazul was also solid with his 13-point outing as did rookie Ken Tuffin.