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| Alonzo Gee went for 34 markers in his swan song for the Fuel Masters. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Matt Wright scored the needed triples in crunch time including the game-winning long tom late in overtime as Phoenix finished its campaign in the PBA Governors' Cup -- and the entire 2019 season as a whole -- with a 120-117 win against Blackwater at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
In a battle between teams which are now eliminated from playoff contention, Wright first waxed hot late in the fourth quarter, draining three consecutive three pointers as the Fuel Masters came back from nine points down with 46 seconds left in regulation to force another five minutes at 109-all.
He then made the go-ahead trey from the left corner with two seconds to go in the extra period to prevent the Elite from forcing another overtime session after Roi Sumang tied the game with a three-point play right before it.
Carl Cruz missed two buzzer beaters at the death, a two pointer that would have given Blackwater the win in regulation and a three-point shot in overtime that would have forced the second extension.
Alonzo Gee made 34 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for Phoenix, which finished its stint at 3-8. Wright added 28 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Doug Kramer put up three points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in what would be his final game in his 12-season career in the PBA. On Thursday, he announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Marqus Blakely put up 37 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks for Blackwater, which will finish the season ending conference dead last at 2-9. Mac Belo chipped in 25 markers, six boards, two dimes, and three swipes off the bench.
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