MATTHEW Wright canned 10 points, including two treys, in the final period to help Phoenix Fuel Masters survive past debuting Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings, 94-91, in their 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup at the jampacked University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Davao City Saturday evening, April 1.
He finished with game-high 27 points on top of six rebounds and three assists.
"We played well as a team. We're glad that we battled," Wright said in an interview with VoxPop Davao.
Fuel Masters head coach Ariel Vanguardia, for his part, said it was a good thing to have Matthew Wright back to help us.
"I know Matthew Wright. He played for me before in Malaysia and now he's back 100 percent, he gives us more options," Vanguardia said, citing that Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, JC Intal and the rest of the players played well.
The win in Davao City avenged Phoenix's loss to the Gin Kings in Panabo City last year.
"Davao City is our home court and we came in to get revenge about what happened last year. I'm also very happy with the rebounding, yun yung (that’s the) number one," Vanguardia added.
With barely 22 seconds left, Ginebra had a 91-90 advantage when Fuel Masters import Jameel Mckay, who sank 15 baskets and grabbed 28 rebounds, knocked in a two-pointer inside the baseline, forcing Gin Kings coach Tim Cone to consume his last timeout as the Phoenix snatched a 92-91 edge.
LA Tenorio, however, lost control of the ball and gave up a crucial Ginebra turnover only 7.6 seconds to go.
Wright, who was then fouled, buried two free throws with ease as Phoenix sealed the match and improved to a 2-2 win-loss card.
Joe Devance and Japeth Aguilar, meanwhile, topscored Ginebra with identical 15 points.
Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined during the final frame due to a leg cramp, settled with 12 points and four rebounds.