Phoenix Fuel Masters Edge Meralco Bolts 98-97 in PBA Commissioner’s Cup Thriller

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup served up a classic nail-biter on July 15, 2026, as the Phoenix Fuel Masters snatched a dramatic 98-97 victory over the Meralco Bolts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The match, which tipped off at 7:30 PM local time, saw Phoenix overcome a late deficit to hand Meralco a heartbreaking home‑court loss.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the contest eager to improve their standings in the mid‑season Commissioner’s Cup. Meralco, known for their balanced attack and stingy defense, controlled much of the first half. However, Phoenix’s imports and local sharpshooters kept the game tight. The final quarter turned into a back‑and‑forth battle, culminating in a game‑winning basket by Phoenix with less than five seconds remaining.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: Meralco jumped to a 28‑22 lead behind sharp shooting from Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi.
• Third Quarter Surge: Phoenix rallied behind import Johnathan Williams III, who scored 12 points in the period to cut the deficit to 70‑69.
• Final Minute Drama: With Meralco up 97‑96, Phoenix guard RJ Jazul drove the lane and dished to a cutting Williams for a layup, giving Phoenix a 98‑97 lead with 2.1 seconds left. Meralco’s last‑second heave missed.

Tactical Storylines

Meralco relied on a strong inside game from Raymond Almazan and a disciplined half‑court offense. Phoenix countered by pushing the pace in transition and forcing Meralco into late‑shot‑clock situations. The Fuel Masters’ ability to convert offensive rebounds into second‑chance points proved decisive, out‑rebounding Meralco 45‑38.

Standout Players

• Johnathan Williams III (Phoenix): 28 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists – the import was a force on both ends.
• RJ Jazul (Phoenix): 18 points, 7 assists – his clutch playmaking sealed the win.
• Chris Newsome (Meralco): 24 points, 6 rebounds – led the Bolts’ scoring effort but missed a potential game‑winning three.
• Raymond Almazan (Meralco): 16 points, 12 rebounds – a double‑double effort in the paint.

Impact on the Commissioner’s Cup Standings

With the win, Phoenix improved to a 5‑3 record, keeping them in the middle of the playoff race. Meralco dropped to 4‑4, needing to regroup as the tournament heads into its second half. The result also tightened the battle for the top four seeds, which earn a twice‑to‑beat advantage in the quarterfinals.