Here are the live scores, updates, and results of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup between the Meralco Bolts and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, scheduled on July 28, 2021, at 6:00 PM.
Now on a two-game winning streak, Phoenix Super LPG looks to keep rolling against the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Philippine Cup’s Wednesday nightcap at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Fuel Masters got off to a shaky start in Season 46, losing their first two games, including a 79-115 thrashing by NorthPort, before ultimately breaking through with a 101-93 victory over Alaska last Saturday.
Despite missing stars Matthew Wright and Chris Banchero, Phoenix posts its first victory behind Vic Manuel who flexes on old team Alaska with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double in the first half alone, and ultimately finished with 26 markers and 12 boards in just 28 minutes.
“Matt’s not here, so the others’ help really was important,” said head coach Topex Robinson after the breakthrough win.
“Again, that was a total team effort. Coaches did a good job preparing for the game, and the players really competed and grinded it out with Alaska,” added Robinson.
After a lackluster opening quarter in which they trailed 18-26, the Fuel Masters picked it up in the second with a strong 22-7 go-ahead run highlighted by a Jason Perkins basket at 3:54 for a 40-33 lead.
With nine minutes left in the third quarter, Phoenix harnessed that momentum to blow the game wide open, going on another important 12-3 run to turn a 53-42 halftime advantage into a 20-point lead, 65-45.
They maintained this pressure until the start of the payoff period, when they had a 23-point advantage, 84-61, before coasting and giving the Aces a massive final run.
The Bolts (2-1), on the other hand, are looking to get back on track following a 72-85 loss to Rain or Shine over the weekend.
Despite starting the game on a high note as they posted an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, the tide shifted to the Elasto Painters in the second period, with Beau Belga leading a 13-2 scoring spree to start the quarter. Coach Chris Gavina’s team eventually created a 42-35 lead at the halftime break.
Rain or Shine extended their lead in the second half, preventing Meralco from mounting a comeback.
In a losing effort, Chris Newsome led Meralco with 13 points while Raymond Almazan added 10 markers.
With their recent setback, Meralco’s goal is to swiftly get back on track and reclaim the form that saw them win against NorthPort (85-63) and San Miguel (93-87).
The last time this two teams met, Phoenix gifted Topex Robinson a win in his PBA head coaching debut with a 116-98 romp over Meralco.
Matthew Wright erupted for 36 points on top of 6 assists and 5 rebounds as the Fuel Masters breezed through one of the most lopsided game in the PBA bubble.