By Leobery Julian A. de la Peña
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters continued its inspired display of basketball and recorded its third-straight win after taking down the Meralco Bolts, 89-82, in the ongoing 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
For the second consecutive week, the Fuel Masters’ combination of consistent performance from their import Kaleb Wesson and the offensive output from their young guns helped them rise in the PBA standings.
Wesson was once again an unstoppable force in the shaded lane and led the Fuel Masters with a double-double performance of 23 points and 13 rebounds.
The hardworking import was the main key to Phoenix’s huge offensive run in the third frame that extended their lead to as much as 19 points, 82-63.
Meanwhile, the young gunners led by Tyler Tio showed up against the pesky Meralco backcourt defense and dropped 14 points.
Encho Serrano, Phoenix’s newly found spark off the bench, produced the same points as Tio while veteran shooter RJ Jazul chipped in 12 points.
“It’s a testament to what we’re doing as a group. Helping each other out. Winning is a byproduct of what we’re doing,” said coach Topex Robinson.
On the other side, Meralco is yet to find its footing in the import-laced conference and had one of its worst starts in five years.
After five games played, the Bolts ended up as the second-worst team in the current conference and only registered one win.
To make things worse, Meralco is still without superstar shooting guard Chris Newsome who is still nursing an injury he suffered during the last conference.
Chris Banchero was also ruled out during their game against the Fuel Masters which left a deep void in their backcourt rotation and perimeter defense.
Meralco will be looking to break its slump on Saturday when they square off against coach Yeng Guiao and the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.
