MANILA, Philippines -- The Phoenix Fuel Masters did just enough and quelled a furious rally by Rain or Shine to send the Elasto Painters to their third straight loss, 99-98, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
With Rain or Shine leading by four, 78-74, at the start of the fourth quarter, Phoenix scored 16 straight points capped by a Ricci Rivero jumper to take a 90-78 lead with 6:53 remaining.
A layup by Andrei Caracut broke the dry spell for Rain or Shine with 5:59 left in the game, 90-80.
A 10-3 run by the Elasto Painters capped by a pair of Dajuan Summers free throws cut the lead to three, 90-93 at the 2:53 mark.
Johnathan Williams then answered with a crucial three-point play on the other end.
Williams continued to apply the pressure as Phoenix took a 99-92 cushion with 79 seconds remaining.
Back-to-back 3-pointers by Jhonard Clarito and Santi Santillan cut the lead to one, 98-99.
Jason Perkins missed a 3-pointer that would have been the dagger, but he grabbed his own miss.
Williams missed both of his freebies with one second left, and a Summers trey missed as time expired.
Williams carried the load for the Fuel Masters as he flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists.
Santillan posted 17 points and five rebounds for Rain or Shine.
Phoenix sports a 2-1 card for the season.