Phoenix boosts playoffs hopes with come-from-behind win over Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — New import Marcellus Earlington overcome a foul-plagued PBA debut, delivering 14 of his 20 points in the final period to lift Phoenix Super LPG to a pulse-pounding 105-101 comeback win against Meralco to boost its Season 50 Governors’ Cup playoffs bid on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The 26-year-old Earlington, taking the spot of BJ Johnson, who left the team during the conference break, made all six of his attempts from the field in the final period, along with seven rebounds to make up for a poor 3-of-12 shooting during the first three quarters. The Fuel Masters trailed by 13 points in the first half, stymied visibly by the Bolts’ defense. But big men Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballingay along with Ricci Rivero stepped up on offense at a time Earlington was struggling, before the American came alive when the game was on the line in the final quarter. Phoenix moved up to solo second spot at 5-3, half a game behind Group B leader Magnolia’s 6-3 slate. Rain or Shine is at solo third with its 4-3 record, while Meralco fell to 4-6. The Bolts’ loss gave Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater, both toting 3-5 cards, a new lease on playoff life. Rivero led Phoenix…