MANILA, Philippines — Macau unleashed a crippling 18-4 run midway in the fourth quarter en route to pulling off a stunning 105-98 win against Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jenning Leung knocked down three booming triples at the height of that daring exchange to turn a six-point deficit into a 101-93 lead heading into the final minute.
The Black Knights managed to hold on to the lead and eventually closing their guest appearance on a winning note.
Macau ended its maiden campaign with a 3-9 record.
For Phoenix, the loss dealt the team a crucial blow to its top 4 hopes that reward the four squads with the best record in the elims with twice-to-beat incentive entering the playoffs.
The Fuel Masters played without athletic guard Ricci Rivero who is out with a hand injury he sustained in their 100-97 win over the TNT Tropang 5G last weekend.
Phoenix fell to 6-5, its aspirations for a quarterfinal stint still not sure, given the tightness of the win-loss records from fifth place onwards in the standings.
Leung led Macau with 32 points, including 13 in the last quarter, while Ramon Cao added 23.
Phoenix Shackelford and import Tony Mitchell added 13 points apiece.
Mitchell also collared 24 rebounds.
Ken Tuffin led Phoenix with 27 points and eight rebounds, while Johnathan Williams added 20, 22 boards and eight assists.