Tio Dagger sinks tropa

MANILA, Philippines — On Johnathan Williams’ comeback game, Phoenix rose against TNT and revived its bid.

And the Fuel Masters did it in dramatic fashion, leaning on Tyler Tio’s clutch triple over Bol Bol to secure a thrilling 100-97 overtime victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tio’s long-distance game-winner capped 53 minutes of hard work on Labor Day for Phoenix, led by Ricci Rivero who kept the Fuel Masters afloat until his late exit due to a deep cut on his hand off a foul from Jayson Castro.

Rivero fired 31, including a five-point cluster that gave Phoenix a 96-96 cushion with 39.6 seconds left in extra time.

With Rivero forced out, Tio took the role of closer, making a split in lieu of the injured Rivero with 16.2 ticks left and countering Bol’s tying basket with the dagger bomb from way out.

Williams, who previously led Phoenix to the semifinals in a Best Import-winning performance back in Season 48, posted 22 points with 15 rebounds in his first game back in place of James Dickey III.

The troops of Charles Tiu improved to 6-4, tying the defending champions’ record and climbing to fifth.

“Sobrang thankful kay Lord for this blessing. Hindi sya madali, it was a hard-fought game,” said Rivero.

Rivero shot 17 in the third to give Phoenix the momentum entering the fourth, 75-73.

Later, Meralco vaulted to fourth spot at 6-3 and boosted its bid for a twice-to-beat bonus with a 112-91 romp over third-running Barangay Ginebra (7-3).

“Palagi kaming nag-uusap ni coach Charles, kung ano binigay ng depensa, basahin ko, if there are open teammates create for them, if there’s an opening, attack the hoop,” he said.

Phoenix spoiled the 30-20 game of Bol, who drew sufficient local support from Calvin Oftana (22), RR Pogoy (17), Castro (11) and Glenn Khobuntin (11).