by Jonas Terrado
Phoenix Pulse clinched a semifinals berth for the first time in franchise history after crushing Alaska, 91-76, Sunday night in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year Jason Perkins scored a career-high 31 points in the second quarter as the Fuel Masters created big separation from the Aces and produce their first playoff win since joining the pro loop in 2016.
Prior to the match, Phoenix lost all of its six meetings in the playoffs.
Jason Perkins goes up for a shot against Alaska defenders. (PBA Images)
“More than happy,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas, elated after his team finally was able to do the job after squandering a twice-to-beat advantage against Meralco in last season’s Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
The Fuel Masters lived up to their billing as the top seed after the eliminations and advance to the best-of-seven semifinals.
But Alas and his squad will have their hands full against the winner of the best-of-three quarters between defending champion San Miguel Beer and TNT KaTropa.
San Miguel is up 1-0 after escaping with an 80-78 win last Saturday.
Jvee Casio scored 19 points and Simon Enciso turned in 15 but Alaska put in a disappointing showing two nights after claiming the last quarters berth with an 88-80 victory over NLEX.
Scores:
Phoenix 91 - Perkins 31, Wright 14, Abueva 12, Jazul 6, Mendoza 6, Chua 6, Revilla 6, Kramer 5, Mallari 2, Marcelo 3, Intal 0, Guevarra 0, Gamboa 0, Napoles 0, Dennison 0.
Alaska 76 - Casio 19, Enciso 15, Teng 12, Banchero 6, Galliguez 6, Cruz 4, Baclao 4, Ayaay 3, Pascual 2, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 2, Racal 1, Babilonia 0.
Quarters: 18-15, 47-35, 72-49, 91-76