(PBA image)
Tyler Tio drilled a clutch, high-arcing triple in the dying seconds to lift Phoenix Super LPG to a stunning 100-97 overtime victory over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the game hanging in the balance, Tio calmly rose over the outstretched arm of Bol Bol and banked in the go-ahead three with just 1.8 seconds left—silencing the TNT crowd and capping a gritty comeback by the Fuel Masters. Roger Pogoy’s last-second heave missed badly, sealing Phoenix’s statement win.
The victory allowed Phoenix to draw level with TNT at 6-4 in the standings while gaining the crucial tiebreak advantage should both teams finish even after the eliminations.
“We knew how important this game was for us and we really played well,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu. “We were up for the challenge, and it just feels good to pull off this upset win.”
Phoenix now moves within striking distance of a quarterfinal berth, needing just one more victory in its next outings against Macau on May 6 or San Miguel Beer on May 9 to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Ricci Rivero powered the Fuel Masters with a game-high 31 points in a breakout performance, but his night was cut short after injuring his left middle finger with 16.9 seconds remaining in regulation following a foul by Jayson Castro. His absence set the stage for Tio’s heroics.
Tio, who had a modest scoring night, was tapped to take over in the clutch—and delivered when it mattered most. Despite missing one of two free throws earlier, the guard redeemed himself with the game-winning shot, finishing with 13 points.
“I still have a guy like Tyler that I trusted,” Tiu said. “I asked him if he was ready for one possession, and he said yes. Thankfully, he made it count.”
Import Jonathan Williams, who had just arrived the day before, made an immediate impact despite battling cramps. He tallied 22 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists in a gutsy all-around effort. Jason Perkins added 15 points, while Kenneth Tuffin chipped in a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
TNT leaned on Bol Bol, who erupted for 30 points, including the jumper that forced a 91-all deadlock at the end of regulation after Williams missed a potential game-winner for Phoenix. Calvin Oftana contributed 22 points but exited late in overtime due to cramps, further hurting TNT’s chances.
The Tropang 5G also lost Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser early in the game after he suffered a sprained right ankle, compounding their woes in a physically taxing contest.
In the end, it was Phoenix that showed greater composure down the stretch—riding on Tio’s fearless shot to complete one of its biggest wins of the conference.
The Scores:
Phoenix 100 – Rivero 31, Williams 22, Perkins 15, Tio 13, Tuffin 11, Santos 5, Delos Santos 2, Ynot 0, Daves 0, Nelle 0, Escandor 0.
TNT 97 – Bol 30, Oftana 22, Pogoy 17, Khobuntin 11, Castro 11, Williams 2, Galinato 2, Heading 2, Nambatac 0, Enciso 0, Nieto 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Quarters: 24-20; 48-51; 74-73; 91-all; 100-97.