PHOENIX Super LPG dropped a triple-overtime loss to Meralco on Wednesday at the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, blowing several opportunities to put the Bolts away along the way.
The biggest chance came at the 8.2-second mark of the second overtime when Phoenix import Johnathan Williams stepped to the free-throw line with the all score tied at 103-103.
Williams, however, missed the two free throws.
READ Meralco survives three-overtime thriller vs Phoenix, forces sudden-death
The Bolts eventually won, 116-107, as they overcome a solid showing by Phoenix particularly Williams, who finished with 24 points and 24 rebounds. A blot in his stats line was his 9-of-19 clip from the free throw line.
Despite the free-throw woes, Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin was quick to defend Williams, saying that he contributed in the game in different ways.
Except for the free-throw struggles, Williams was solid for 62 minutes and 22 seconds, joining Sta. Lucia’s Lambert Shell, Gilbey’s Gin’s Lew Massey, and NorthPort’s Michael Qualls on the list of imports that played for 60 or more minutes in a game.
“He is our silent leader,” said Jarin of Williams, who is shooting at a 55 percent clip from the free throw line. “The free throws that he missed, that doesn’t count. It was the result of the game. Things happen like this.”
Jarin stands defiant
“We have full confidence in him and that he is going to bring us to the semifinals,” said Jarin.
With the way Phoenix fought in the contest, Jarin said that not any single member of the Phoenix team should be blamed for the loss.
“You can’t get mad at anybody right now,” said Jarin. “All our players, all the staff, everybody, the coaches, we gave it our 110 percent. There’s nothing to blame. No one is to blame for that.”
The knockout game will be on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, and that’s the focus now for Jarin and the rest of the Fuel Masters, still confident that they can win that match despite the heartbreaking defeat.
“That’s the reason why you work hard in the eliminations, to get the twice-to-beat advantage so you have that luxury na if you don’t get it on the first try, you have another chance to get it.
"Another opportunity for us to get into the semifinals on Sunday,” said Jarin.
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