[Saba Sports News] Meralco came from behind to claim its first win in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Committee Cup with a 111-109 victory over Phoenix. The match took place on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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Akil Mitchell made the game-winning throw in the final 1.3 seconds, helping the Melalco rally from a 23-point deficit to win the game.
The Phoenix had a chance to tie the game, but Jason Perkins failed to score when a hurried hook shot deflected in the last minute to end the collapse. Despite scoring a season-high 73 points in the first half, the Phoenix failed to sustain the advantage.
Melalco’s victory was made sweeder by the fact that the team was missing several important players, including Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero and Brandon Bates.
“We know there are players who are missing, but these players have performed very well and deserve credit,” said coach Luigi Trillo, referring in particular to Aaron Black, who played for the first time since returning from injury after missing the last final with a knee injury.