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Watching the PBA Meralco vs Phoenix showdown last night reminded me why I love Philippine basketball—it’s unpredictable, fast-paced, and packed with moments that make you hold your breath. As someone who’s followed the league for years, I’ve seen how individual players can shift the momentum in a heartbeat, and this game was no exception. The final score, 98-94 in favor of Meralco, doesn’t quite capture the rollercoaster of emotions both teams put us through. From clutch three-pointers to defensive lapses, every quarter had its own story. I’ve always believed that games like these aren’t just about the stars; they’re about role players stepping up when it matters most. And honestly, that’s where the real drama unfolds.

Early on, Phoenix looked sharp, building a 12-point lead by the end of the first quarter thanks to their aggressive drives and solid perimeter shooting. Matthew Wright, as usual, was sensational—he finished with 28 points and 7 assists, and his chemistry with Jason Perkins was a joy to watch. But Meralco, known for their resilience, didn’t panic. I’ve noticed how Coach Norman Black’s system emphasizes adaptability, and it showed when they switched to a full-court press that disrupted Phoenix’s rhythm. By halftime, Meralco had trimmed the deficit to just 4 points, and you could feel the momentum shifting. What stood out to me was how Raymond Almazan anchored the defense with 4 blocks and 12 rebounds—his presence in the paint forced Phoenix into taking difficult shots, which ultimately cost them in the long run.

The third quarter was where things got really interesting. Meralco’s Chris Newsome took over, scoring 10 of his 24 points in a span of just five minutes. I’ve always admired his ability to read defenses and create opportunities out of nothing. But what caught my eye was the contribution of their bench players, like Allein Maliksi, who chipped in with 14 points. It’s players like him who often fly under the radar but make all the difference in tight contests. On the other side, Phoenix struggled with turnovers—they had 18 in total, which Meralco converted into 22 points. That, in my opinion, was the turning point. As much as I respect Phoenix’s firepower, their lack of ball security in crucial moments has been a recurring issue this season.

Speaking of role players, Joshua Munzon’s journey came to mind during the game. Whether he’s at NorthPort, Pureblends, or any other team, Munzon has shown he’s ready to do whatever is asked of him. That kind of mindset is something I wish more players would embrace. In this match, we saw similar versatility from Meralco’s Bong Quinto, who may not have filled the stat sheet but made key defensive stops and kept the ball moving. It’s these unsung efforts that often decide close games. By the fourth quarter, Meralco had built a 7-point cushion, but Phoenix fought back, cutting it to 2 with under a minute left. The final moments were nerve-wracking—a missed free throw here, a stolen inbound pass there—but Meralco held on, thanks to timely free throws from Newsome and a steal by Cliff Hodge in the dying seconds.

Reflecting on the game, I think Meralco’s victory was a testament to their depth and composure under pressure. They shot 45% from the field and outrebounded Phoenix 48-42, stats that highlight their disciplined approach. Phoenix, while explosive, needs to work on consistency; their reliance on iso-plays in the final minutes felt predictable. As a fan, I’d love to see them integrate more ball movement in future matchups. Overall, this game was a classic PBA thriller, blending individual brilliance with team execution. It’s matches like these that keep me hooked, and I’m already looking forward to their next encounter. If both teams tighten up their weaknesses, we’re in for even more exciting basketball down the line.