Jason Perkins and Phoenix catch another big fish in TNT, which stumbled to its worst start in 25 years or since the 2000 All-Filipino Cup in the PBA.
Phoenix star Jason Perkins waltzed with a couple of jab steps in front of TNT's Glen Khobuntin, then almost abruptly decided to drive right to swish a silky smooth fadeaway jumper.
There’s really not so much Khobuntin, known more for thriving on the defensive end, could do about it.
That sequence early in the fourth period encapsulated the Fuel Masters' 95-81 crushing of Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban Friday, May 2.
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Everything was simply working for Perkins and his teammates, who raced off to a scintillating 28-14 start and never looked back.
Hailed Player of the Game, Perkins fired 27 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from three and collected six rebounds, three assists and a block.
“Just staying in the moment. But also my teammates, my coaches, coach Jamike (Jarin): they keep me accountable not to get ahead of myself,” said Perkins, who didn’t commit a single foul.
“Sometimes I get emotional; sometimes they bring me back to earth to stay in the moment.”
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Wherever Perkins went, his team followed.
Tyler Tio wound up with 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists; Kenneth Tuffin scored eight in the opening period on his way to 11; Kai Ballungay finished with 11 points and four boards; and RJ Jazul added 10 markers.
The triumph was much-needed for the Fuel Masters, who now put themselves in a better position with their 2-3 slate.
Jason Perkins shines above the rest in the Phoenix Fuel Masters' match against the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Meanwhile, TNT stumbled to 0-3, its worst start in 25 years or since the 2000 All-Filipino Cup, according to league statistician Fidel Mangonon.
Without Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro, the Grand Slam-seeking squad is struggling to whip up some magic in the season-ending conference.
There were some bright moments for the Tropang 5G in the match, but they just did not have enough gas to mount a comeback against the Fuel Masters.
Calvin Oftana produced 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists in an effort that went for naught.
Simon Enciso, Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy added 14, 12, and 10 points, respectively, for the beleaguered squad.
Phoenix vs TNT Scores:
PHOENIX 95 – Perkins 27, Tio 16, Tuffin 11, Ballungay 11, Jazul 10, Garcia 8, Camacho 3, Manganti 3, Soyud 2, Verano 2, Ular 2, Rivero 0, Alejandro 0, Daves 0.
TNT 81 – Oftana 20, Enciso 14, Nambatac 12, Pogoy 10, Razon 6, Heruela 6, Khobuntin 5, Erram 4, Payawal 2, Galinato 2, Williams 0, Ebona 0, Aurin 0, Varilla 0.
Quarterscores: 28-14, 50-32, 73-55, 95-81.