The Fuel Masters are on the up and up.
The Phoenix Fuel Masters grabbed their third win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after fending off the Blackwater Bossing, 111-106, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
It was a back-and-forth affair between the two squads, but it was the Fuel Masters that managed to squeak in more points late in the game to distance themselves from the Bossing.
Jason Perkins led the way for Phoenix with 23 points and eight rebounds while import Johnathan Williams added 21 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in the victory.
Being one of the older players for the young Fuel Masters squad, Perkins mentioned how he’s taking on a veteran role for the team.
“I'm just trying to be a leader, I guess. But also, I'm still kind of young and we're all growing together, but we're just following coach Jamike (Jarin), he’s our leader,” Perkins said during the post-game press conference.
Jarin, meanwhile, lauded the team's effort once more but specifically pointed out Perkins, who made his presence felt on the defensive end as well in challenging Blackwater’s import Chris Ortiz.
While Ortiz did finish with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in the losing effort, Jarin said that those baskets did not come easy thanks to Perkins.
“The stat sheet won't show it but he did all the great things especially (when) he made it hard for the import (Ortiz),” said Jarin. “Even though he scored a lot, Mr. Perkins here made it difficult for him, so we're just very proud of how Jason leads us.”
The win puts the Fuel Masters at a 3-1 record so far in the conference, taking solo second in the standings.
Phoenix will look to make it three straight wins as they face the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Blackwater, on the other hand, will look to bounce back against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
(CF)