MANILA, Philippines — Young big man Ken Tuffin and American reinforcement BJ Johnson combined to score Phoenix’s last four free throws to lift the Fuel Masters to a pulsating 98-97 win against import-less Meralco for its second straight victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Tuffin and Johnson’s efforts enabled Phoenix to overhaul a 94-97 deficit, ensuring the team redeem itself after blowing a 15-point lead.
Phoenix moved up to 2-0, while denying a winning conference debut for Meralco, which played minus an injured import Jordon Varnado.
Robert Johnson III led the Fuel Masters with 26 points, spiked by four triples.
Ricci Rivero added 20, six rebounds and five assists, while Tuffin finished with 17 and seven boards.
Jason Perkins contributed 13 markers and six assists.
CJ Cansino, who missed a game-winning attempt in the dying seconds, led Meralco with 18 points, Allein Maliksi scored 16, while Brandon Bates 14 and 13 rebounds.
