PBA: Phoenix's Matthew Wright gets Players of the Week honors | ABS-CBN

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PBA: Phoenix's Matthew Wright gets Players of the Week honors

PBA: Phoenix's Matthew Wright gets Players of the Week honors

ABS-CBN News

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Phoenix Super LPG guard Matthew Wright rises for a jump shot. PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines -- Phoenix Super LPG's Matthew Wright was the unanimous choice as the PBA's Player of the Week for the period of November 9-15, after his crunch time heroics sent the Fuel Masters to the semifinals of the All-Filipino Cup.

In one of the most important games for the Phoenix Super LPG franchise, Wright responded with one of the biggest games of his career. He scored 32 points and dished out nine assists in a thrilling 89-88 win over the Magnolia Hotshots that punched their ticket to the last four of the conference.

Wright drilled the go-ahead three-pointer with nine seconds to go that pegged the final scorer, slamming the door on Magnolia's hopes of pushing the series to a decider.

The 6-foot-4 Wright averaged 20.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds as the Fuel Masters went 2-0 in the final week of the elimination round to secure a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.

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Aside from earning Player of the Week honors, Wright also finished the elimination round as the top player in terms of statistical points, with an average of 35.9 SPs built on norms of 22.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game.

But the 29-year-old gunner stressed that his focus is on their team goals -- specifically, winning a breakthrough championship for Phoenix Super LPG.

"That's the goal that I've always wanted," he said. "I feel like I'm one of the best. I know that in order to be mentioned among the best, you have to win certain awards and championships."

"I'm trying to focus on that and doing the right thing," he added. "If you do the right thing and you're humble, those awards will come."

In this regard, Wright said he is trying to emulate reigning six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, whom he calls "the most humble guy in the world."

"We have seven wins left until the championship," said Wright. "It's going to be a long playoffs, so I'd worry about that when it's all said and done."

Meanwhile, Meralco's Aaron Black was the Rookie of the Week anew, after averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for the Bolts.

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Spikers' Turf: Cignal HD turns back gritty Savouge to stay unbeaten

Spikers' Turf: Cignal HD turns back gritty Savouge to stay unbeaten

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA -- Cignal HD dug deep to complete a straight-sets victory against a gritty Savouge squad, 25-23, 27-25, 25-19, in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The HD Spikers showcased their championship poise, overcoming errors and a determined challenge from the Spin Doctors to claim their second straight victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

After surviving back-to-back tight sets, including an extended second frame, the defending champions pulled away late in the third. A 4-0 closing run – spearheaded by Steven Rotter, JP Bugaoan, and Martin Bugaoan – turned a shaky 20-18 lead into a commanding six-point advantage.

Charlee Magpayo momentarily halted Cignal's momentum with a quick hit, but Wendel Miguel responded with a cross-court attack to seal the victory. The win was especially significant for the HD Spikers, who previously fell to Savouge in last year's Invitational Conference.

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Cignal HD celebrates against Savouge during their game in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on February 23, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. PVL MediaCignal HD celebrates against Savouge during their game in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Open Conference on February 23, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. PVL Media

"Of course, I'm happy we won against Savouge. But it was a close match from start to finish," said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor in Filipino.

"We committed a lot of errors, especially in our service," he added, noting their 29 miscues. "Aside from those service errors, we also had some soft serves that allowed them to side-out more effectively."

Former league MVP Jau Umandal, making his second straight start, led the HD Spikers with a game-high 17 points off 16 attacks while also contributing eight excellent receptions. Rotter and Miguel added 11 points apiece, while Owa Retamar tallied 11 excellent sets and chipped in three points.

With the win, Cignal temporarily wrested solo control with the HD Spikers aiming for a third straight victory against the winless VNS-Laticrete Griffins on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Meanwhile, Savouge, which went toe-to-toe with Cignal throughout the match, dropped to a 1-1 record. No player from the Spin Doctors reached double digits, with Shawie Caritativo and Mark Calado finishing with eight and seven points, respectively. Caritativo also recorded 10 excellent receptions in the loss.

Savouge looks to bounce back against Alpha Insurance on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

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