MANILA — Kenneth Tuffin calmly sank two pressure-packed free throws with just 13 seconds remaining as Phoenix Fuel Masters escaped with a thrilling 98-97 victory over Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night, improving to 2-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After making only two of his first four attempts from the foul line, Tuffin delivered when it mattered most, knocking down both free throws to put Phoenix ahead for good, 98-97.
The former Far Eastern University standout finished with 17 points, highlighted by three first-quarter triples, while also grabbing seven rebounds to earn Player of the Game honors.
Robert Johnson II led the Fuel Masters with 26 points, Ricci Rivero added 20 points off the bench, and Jason Perkins contributed 13 as Phoenix preserved its unbeaten start in the season-ending conference.
CJ Cansino paced Meralco with 18 points, while Allein Maliksi added 16. Brandon Bates, Clifford Hodge, and Raymond Almazan chipped in 14, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
The Bolts played without import Jordon Varnado, who missed their conference debut due to injury, forcing Meralco to field an all-Filipino lineup.
Meanwhile, Converge FiberXers also improved to 2-0 after surviving a late Terrafirma Dyip rally for a 105-103 victory.
The FiberXers appeared headed for a comfortable win after opening a 16-point lead late in the game, but the Dyip stormed back to threaten an upset.
Justin Baltazar preserved the win with a crucial block on Aljon Mariano’s layup attempt with 17 seconds remaining. Terrafirma regained possession but failed to capitalize as Maverick Ahanmisi missed a desperation four-point shot at the buzzer.
Justin Arana starred for Converge with a conference-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block, earning Player of the Game honors./PN
