PBA: Akil Mitchell seals Meralco comeback vs Phoenix with game-winner

Akil Mitchell was clutch again for Meralco. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA––Akil Mitchell hit the winning shot as Meralco completed a second-half turnaround against Phoenix with a 111-109 victory in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Mitchell scored on a floater with 1.3 seconds left that made up for two missed free throws that nearly cost the game for the Bolts, who fought back from as much as a 23-point deficit and were down, 54-73, at halftime and led within the last 2:10 of the game.

Jason Perkins tried to force overtime for the Fuel Masters, but he air-balled his jumper as Tyler Tio's heroics that tied the game at 109-all before Mitchell's game-winner went to waste.

Mitchell put up 27 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and six steals, while Chris Newsome added 23 points, three rebounds, and six assists for Meralco.

Donovan Smith put up 33 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal for Phoenix, which dropped to 0-2.

The Scores :

MERALCO 111 – Mitchell 27, Newsome 23, Black 15, Quinto 14, Caram 10, Rios 8, Hodge 7, Jose 5, Almazan 2, Pasaol 0

PHOENIX 109 – Smith 33, Ballungay 18, Tio 17, Rivero 14, Alejandro 6, Perkins 6, Jazul 6, Manganti 4, Tuffin 3, Verano 2, Ular 0

QUARTERS: 25-36, 54-73, 78-91, 111-109

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