Titan stays alive in PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals race with win over Phoenix

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ANTIPOLO — Titan Ultra refused to let its PBA Philippine Cup campaign fade quietly, delivering a blistering fourth-quarter surge to pull away for a 127-119 win over Phoenix on Sunday, December 14, at the Ynares Center.

The Giant Risers erased multiple deficits and seized control late, keeping themselves mathematically alive for the eighth and final quarterfinals berth heading into the last week of eliminations.

The victory lifted Titan to a 4-6 record, setting up a must-win finale against Barangay Ginebra on December 21. A possible tie for the final playoff spot remains in play, depending on how Meralco and Ginebra close out their own elimination schedules.

Calvin Abueva puts Titan on his back as the Giant Risers survive another elimination test. [PBA Images]

Abueva sets the tone in must-win game

Calvin Abueva delivered one of his strongest performances of the conference, powering Titan with 35 points and 17 rebounds in a game the team could not afford to lose.

Abueva attacked relentlessly on both ends, shooting 13-of-28 from the field while adding four assists, two steals and a block to anchor Titan’s late push.

Phoenix had controlled much of the contest, carrying a 60-56 lead at halftime and stretching the advantage to as many as 11 points in the third quarter. But Titan’s energy and execution steadily shifted the momentum as the game entered its final stretch.

Balanced scoring lifts Titan late

Titan’s rally was fueled by timely contributions across the roster, preventing Phoenix from loading up defensively in the closing minutes.

Aris Dionisio finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Joshua Munzon also scored 21, punctuating the run with a clutch four-pointer that pushed Titan ahead, 121-117, with 30.7 seconds remaining.

Jerick Balanza added 17 points, and Fran Yu chipped in 14 points and 10 assists as Titan closed out the game with poise.

Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 24 points as the Fuel Masters wrapped up their PBA Philippine Cup campaign at 3-8. Despite leading deep into the second half, Phoenix could not withstand Titan’s repeated fourth-quarter surges that ultimately decided the contest.