Meralco Bolts’ coach Luigi Trillo. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

MANILA, Philippines—There was nothing straightforward about how Meralco escaped Phoenix to pressure a do-or-die recreation for a spot within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Coach Luigi Trillo acknowledged the an enormous a part of the Bolts’ wrestle got here by the hands of the Gas Masters’ “three musketeers,” which consisted of Ken Tuffin, Javee Mocon and Jason Perkins.

“These ‘three amigos’ there, we name them the ‘three musketeers,’ Tuffin, Mocon and Perk… We obtained to match their depth, toughness and play as powerful as them,” mentioned Trillo with Inquirer Sports activities after their 116-107 victory over Phoenix in triple time beyond regulation at Philsports Enviornment on Wednesday.

“We’ve to search out methods to match them. We simply gained one recreation, that doesn’t actually do something. We’ve obtained to discover a strategy to win that subsequent one.”

Perkins (20), Ken Tuffin (16) and Javee Mocon (6) mixed for 42 factors and 13 rebounds within the Gas Masters’ defeat.

Meralco’s head tactician additionally Jamike Jarin’s collection of beginning 5 that additionally included import Johnathan Williams III and guard Tyler Tio.

Jamike Jarin and the Phoenix Gas Masters’ bench. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

Tio confirmed his mettle with 20 factors constructed on 4 made triples whereas Williams confirmed why he’s within the race for the convention’s finest import award with 24 factors with as many rebounds to his title.

“I believe their first 5 is hard. You have a look at Tyler Tio, he’s stable in what he does, I believe Perkins, Mocon and Tuffin are, too. That 5 is stable, they know the way to play and I believe that’s their energy, that core. They’ve a vivid future, I believe Tio actually stepped up, he’s enjoying very mature for his age,” mentioned Trillo.

And after successful a troublesome battle towards the Gas Masters that gave them one other lease on life, Trillo and the Bolts put together to do it once more once they settle their enterprise on Sunday within the decider.

WATCH: Meralco’s Bong Quinto and coach Luigi Trillo after the win over Phoenix. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/KvksIpmH2M

— INQUIRER Sports activities (@INQUIRERSports) January 17, 2024

“It’s only one recreation. No matter we did, Phoenix is only a very resilient crew. You possibly can see that their youngsters know the way to be bodily. I simply don’t know the way we did that in three overtimes.”

“[I give] numerous respect for Phoenix. With them, it’s all the time going to be a battle and you may’t relaxation. Phoenix doesn’t have give up in them. I’ve the very best respect for coach Jamike and what he’s finished to that group. That is what you need.”