Phoenix, Meralco clash in crucial tiff

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix and Meralco clash in a critical PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup match that has serious playoff implications on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Game time is at 7:30 p.m. with both squads looking to score a crucial win to get a better advantage at securing a playoff spot. So far, Magnolia is the only team at Group B that has sealed a playoff spot with its 6-3 record. Phoenix enters the match carrying a similar 4-3 record with idle Rain or Shine, while Meralco is at 4-5. Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater are lurking behind with the two struggling squads owning anemic 3-5 slates. Phoenix hopes new import Marcellus Earlington could fit in well as original import BJ Johnson left the team during the long conference break to sign up and play in Russia. Earlington though has been with the team for over two weeks already, giving the former St. John’s and San Diego standout time to learn the system under coach Charles Tiu. “He is an inside player and gives us more balance against having another wing player,” Tiu said, noting the different look the 26-year-old Earlington can bring to the Fuel Masters. Earlington averaged solid numbers of 22.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and...