Phoenix waxed hot from deep and torched NorthPort en route to a 118-107 victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, June 4.
At A Glance
- Phoenix waxed hot from deep and torched NorthPort en route to a 118-107 victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, June 4.
Already out of contention and only fighting for pride, the Fuel Masters connected on 18-made triples to pull away in the final frame and arrest a four-game losing skid.
Jason Perkins led the three-point barrage with four to finish with 26 points – 13 of which he fired in the payoff period when Phoenix created the much-needed separation to improve to a 3-7 record.
Kai Ballungay added 17 points and eight rebounds while Ricci Rivero and Ken Tuffin had 14 points apiece with the former also firing four triples and the latter adding two.
The Fuel Masters were actually only holding on to a precarious one-point lead, 84-83, early in the payoff period before the team simply decided to pull away on the heels of a 14-4 blast.
Though NorthPort was trying its best to stay within striking distance, a personal 7-0 run from Perkins seemingly shut the door on the Batang Pier's comeback hopes as the Fuel Masters seized a 113-95 advantage with a little over three minutes left.
Phoenix’s victory spoiled a huge 32-point explosion from Joshua Munzon as well as the debut of Calvin Abueva, who had 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.