The Meralco Bolts strengthened their grip on the No.2 spot in the team standings after whipping the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 81-66, in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts, who notched their third straight win, improved to 7-1 right behind San Miguel Beermen who are unbeaten at 5-0.
The win, which secured the Bolts a playoff berth, also boosted Meralco’s bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
Baser Amer scored 20 points and three assists while Chris Newsome chipped in 19 points, four boards and three assists. Import Alex Stepheson piled up 15 points and 20 boards in a dominant showing.
A 14-4 scoring run in the fourth frame helped the Bolts pull away in the game.
Jameel McKay led Phoenix, which fell to 3-5, with 16 points and 16 boards.