The Phoenix Fuel Masters gave returning import Johnathan Williams a rousing welcome on Friday, beating the TNT Tropang 5G 100-97 on a game-winning triple by Tyler Tio. With the win in front of a good-sized crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Phoenix notched its sixth victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against four losses—the same slate as TNT.
What Happened?
Tio and Williams powered Phoenix to a 26-20 lead after the first quarter, each scoring 8 in the opening frame. TNT responded with a 31-22 second quarter behind five 3-pointers, three from Glen Khobuntin, while Calvin Oftana added timely baskets to push the Tropa ahead 51-48 at halftime.
The third quarter belonged to Phoenix, specifically Ricci Rivero, who erupted for 17 points to give the Fuel Masters a 75-73 lead entering the final frame. The game needed overtime after Bol Bol tied it with a floater in the last 25 seconds of regulation, moments after Williams split his free throws.
Bol scored TNT’s first four points in extra time, but Rivero answered with five straight, capped by a step-back triple with 39 seconds left. Tio split his free throws, leaving the door open for Bol to tie it again at 97 with an uncontested layup at the 12-second mark.
That was all the time Tio needed. With Bol switched onto him, Tio dribbled on the right wing and banked in the game-winner from just behind the arc.
Who Stood Out?
Rivero was sensational before leaving late with a hand injury, finishing with 31 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. His 17-point third quarter swung momentum back to Phoenix, and his overtime burst nearly sealed the win. Tio added 14 points off the bench, including the dagger.
For TNT, Bol carried the load with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 3 blocks, scoring all of the team’s points in overtime. Oftana chipped in 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting, one of his best outings this conference.
3 Keys to the Game
- Ricci Rivero. Rivero was unstoppable in the second half, sparking Phoenix’s comeback and delivering clutch baskets in overtime. TNT simply had no answer.
- Turnovers. TNT committed 14 turnovers, which Phoenix converted into 15 points. The Fuel Masters capitalised on those mistakes to run the break. Phoenix, in contrast, had only 8 errors.
- Bench play. TNT’s reserves contributed 43 points, led by RR Pogoy’s 17 and Khobuntin and Jayson Castro with 11 apiece. Phoenix’s bench, however, produced 53, highlighted by Rivero’s 31 and Jason Perkins’ 15.
Next Up for the PBA
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Terrafirma Dyip vs. Macau Black Knights (5:15 p.m.)
NLEX Road Warriors vs. Converge FiberXers (7:30 p.m.)
