Phoenix grabs last QF ticket, eliminates Rain or Shine

By JAY R. GOTERA Saudi Gazette MANILA — Import Eugene Phelps exploded for 40 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Phoenix Fuel Masters to a 105-94 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the playoffs for the eighth and last seed in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night. Phoenix will thus be making its first quarterfinal appearance as the eighth seed and will be meeting the top-seeded TNT KaTropa in the quarterfinals, with the latter enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage. The loss eliminated Rain or Shine, a team that has been in the playoffs for 12th consecutive times. Josh Urbiztondo also delivered the goods for Phoenix, finishing as the top local scorer with 23 points, including five three-pointers. The Fuel Masters led by as much as 18 points, warding off the Painters each time they tried to come back. The Painters sparked a 12-2 run at the start of the fourth quarter to cut Phoenix’s lead to four, 87-83. But Phelps scored 10 straight points in a 13-6 Phoenix’s blast to spell doom for the Painters. Import Josh Dollard topscored for the Painters with 20 points and seven boards. Meralco 104, Mahindra 99 The Meralco Bolts razed a 16-point deficit to beat the Mahindra Enforcer, 104-99, to secure the fourth seed in the quarterfinals. Once on top of the standings, the Enforcer settled for the fifth seed after absorbing their fourth straight loss. They will again meet the Bolts in the next round but must now beat them twice to advance since Meralco carries the twice-to-beat advantage. Import Allen Durham led the Bolts with 34 points while Jared Dillinger led the team’s locals with 22 markers including two three-pointers. Durham and Dillinger were especially deadly at crunch time when they banged in crucial baskets to stop the rallying Enforcer. Baser Amer and Chris Newsome added 16 and 12 points, respectively for Meralco. Down 57-41, Meralco detonated a 16-0 blast to grab the lead. The Enforcer came charging back and came to within two points after KG Canaleta converted three free throws after drawing a foul on a three-point attempt. But Mahindra’s comebacking top scorer missed a forced three-point attempt that ensured Meralco’s victory. Import James White led Mahindra with 22 points and 13 boards. Aldrech Ramos and Paolo Taha added 20 and 16, respectively. Canaleta, LA Revilla and Mark Yee chipped in 10 points apiece. Games Friday: San Miguel Beermen (twice to beat) vs. NLEX Road Warriors and Barangay Ginebra Kings (twice to beat) vs. Alaska Aces.