The Phoenix Fuel Masters scored back-to-back wins to punctuate their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup campaign.
Phoenix is heading into the offseason with a lot of promise after a strong finish to the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
The Fuel Masters has Jason Perkins, among others, to thank for that.
In their last assignment this conference, Perkins shone on all fronts to fuel his squad's 124-109 victory over Blackwater on Friday, June 13.
The former La Salle star put up a sterling performance, highlighted by a career-high 39 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from three. He also logged four rebounds and five assists.
But Perkins didn’t carry Phoenix on his shoulders alone.
He conspired with Kenneth Tuffin in the first half, accounting for 23 of the team’s first 39 points. They did not let up to give the Fuel Masters a 65-48 lead at halftime.
Tuffin also finished with his own career-high 29 points and 13 rebounds.
[WATCH: Phoenix ends PH cup campaign with win over Blackwater | PBA Highlights]
Blackwater eventually found enough juice to make things interesting early in the fourth period, trimming what was once a 25-point deficit to nine, 89-98, in the 10:08 mark.
But Perkins and the Fuel Masters did just enough to keep the Bossing at bay until the final buzzer.
Despite being out of playoff contention, Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin still brimmed with optimism.
“When things look like they’re falling apart, it might actually be falling into place,” said Jarin when asked to summarize their season.
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Meanwhile, Richard Escoto followed up on his brilliant outing in Blackwater's previous win and dropped 20 points.
RK Ilagan shot four triples on his way to 18 points, while Sedrick Barefield added 13 points for the Bossing, who wrapped up their campaign with a 2-9 mark.
Phoenix vs. Blackwater scores:
PHOENIX 124 – Perkins 32, Tuffin 29, Tio 14, Ballungay 14, Garcia 6, Rivero 5, Verano 5, Camacho 5, Jazul 4, Alejandro 3, Salado 0, Ular 0, Daves 0, Manganti 0.
BLACKWATER 109– Escoto 20, Ilagan 18, Barefield 13, Mitchell 9, Tratter 9, David 8, Guinto 6, Ayonayon 5, Andrade 5, Mallilin 5, Chua 4, Caperal 3, Jopia 2, Casio 2, Cortez 0.
Quarterscores: 39-19, 65-48, 97-85, 124-109.