PBA: Phoenix rallies in 2nd half to clip Meralco, clinch playoff spot

Ricci Rivero stepped up for Phoenix as it enters the PBA Governors' Cup playoffs. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI—Phoenix became the second team to virtually get out of the tough Group B grind in the PBA Governors' Cup group stages and clinch a quarterfinal berth with a 105-101 win against Meralco on Friday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

The Fuel Masters turned things around in the second half, dropping 63 points on the Bolts to mount the comeback after trailing 42-52 at halftime.

Ricci Rivero led Phoenix, which moved up to 5-3, with 26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.

New import Marcellus Earlington added 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, while Ken Tuffin put up 16 points on 5 of 9 field goals, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Jordon Varnado fired 36 points on 3-for-6 shooting on fours, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks for Meralco, which ended the group stages with a 4-6 record.

The Bolts can now only hope for favorable results involving Barangay Ginebra, Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, and Blackwater to join the Fuel Masters and Magnolia Hotshots in the next round.