Black Knights Close Inaugural PBA Run with Thrilling Win Over Fuel Masters

Macau capped its first-ever Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) campaign with a statement victory, rallying in the fourth quarter to overcome Phoenix, 105-98, in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Black Knights erased a late deficit with a decisive 9-0 run, flipping an 93-101 hole into a 101-93 lead with just 2:40 left, completing the comeback against a Phoenix squad still chasing a playoff incentive.

“We just ended on a great note,” Macau head coach Marcus Elliott said. “Everybody was hyped, cheering each other on. After a few solid days of practice, our morale was high. Finishing like this is perfect as we look ahead.”

Jenning Leung led the charge for Macau, pouring in 32 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including six triples. He also contributed five assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, sparking the late surge.

Trailing 91-86 with six minutes remaining, Leung sank back-to-back threes to give Macau a 92-91 lead with 5:07 left. Phoenix briefly reclaimed control through Kenneth Tuffin, but Macau’s finishing run proved unstoppable.

Ramon Cao added 23 points and six rebounds before fouling out, while Chao Xingzhao chipped in 12 points. Phoenix’s Tony Mitchell contributed 13 points but dominated the boards with 24 rebounds and four blocks, though it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

The loss proved costly for Phoenix, dropping them into a three-way tie with Magnolia and TNT at 6-5, while giving Ginebra and Rain or Shine twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinal race.

Tuffin led Phoenix with 27 points and eight rebounds, and Johnathan Williams posted 20 points, 20 rebounds, and eight assists despite battling stomach discomfort. Jason Perkins had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyler Tio added 13, but the absence of Ricci Rivero due to a hand injury was felt in the closing stages.