Ricci Rivero of Phoenix in action against Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, April 13, 2025 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images

MANILA -- Phoenix rode a hot start to overcome Meralco, 109-97, and nail their first win of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Fuel Masters roared to a 31-13 advantage after the opening quarter and never looked back, even leading by as many as 26 points against the defending all-Filipino champions.

Tyler Tio shone for Phoenix with 22 points and six assists, while Ricci Rivero contributed 20 points built on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from long distance. Jason Perkins (19 points) and Kai Ballungay (11) also reached double-digits.

It's a breakthrough for Phoenix, which entered the game having lost back-to-back matches to TerraFirma and Converge.

The Fuel Masters limited the Bolts to just 34.4% shooting from the field. Meralco did not help its cause by making only 20 of 31 free throws; meanwhile, Phoenix went 40-of-51 at the charity stripe.

Chris Newsome led Meralco with 18 points in the loss. The Bolts are now 2-2 in the conference.

In another game, Converge grabbed its second win by overwhelming Blackwater, 111-80. 

After falling behind 21-24 at the end of the opening period, the FiberXers outscored the Bossing 60-29 in the middle quarters to seize control of the contest.

Justin Arana (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Justine Baltazar (16 points, 10 rebounds) both had double-doubles for the now 2-2 Converge, while Schonny Winston provided 16 points and five dimes. 

Blackwater, for its part, dropped to 0-2. RK Ilagan had 19 points, but Sedrick Barefield was limited to just five points on 1-of-10 shooting in the defeat.