Guard Tyler Tio’s three-point shot off the glass, and right in the face of Bol Bol with 1.8 seconds left lifted Phoenix to a king-sized win against TNT, 100-97 in overtime to galvanize its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoff hopes on Labor Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The pint-sized Phoenix playmaker’s game-winning shot came just seconds after the 7-foot-3 Bol tied the game at 97-97 after shaking off Fuel Masters’ comebacking import Johnathan Williams for a left-handed layup.
The win allowed Phoenix to tie TNT at fourth spot in the standings at 6-4.
“That banked shot by Tyler, I’ll take it,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu after the game. “I really appreciate the effort of the guys. They knew how important the game was.”
Tio’s heroics preserved teammate Ricci Rivero’s solid scoring night that saw him erupt for 31 points and 11 rebounds.
The athletic Rivero though had to be subbed out heading into the final minute after being fouled by TNT star Jayson Castro at midcourt, and then suffering from a bloodied finger on his left hand.
Williams, coming in to replace James Dickey, scored 22 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and issued six assists in his first game back for Phoenix.
The former PBA Best Import also got the needed help at front court with Jason Perkins firing 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while Ken Tuffin chipped in 11 and 12 boards.
Tio went on to finish with 14 points.
Bol led TNT with 30 points and 20 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana had 22 in the loss.