Phoenix remained in the hunt for a playoff berth in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup after staying at the ninth spot with a win over Blackwater.
Phoenix coach Willy Wilson shied away from credit after his wards hammered out a 106-98 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Saturday night, Dec. 6.
Wilson gave the spotlight to his players, who made things happen especially when the Bossing threatened to come back late in the game at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“Credit to players like Jason (Perkins). 'Yong heart nila, 'yong puso nila, 'yong guts nila to take charge and to take shots, actually, nag-hands off ako,” said Wilson, whose team improved its playoff chances with a 3-6 record at joint ninth with Titan Ultra.
“Lagi silang tumitingin sa sideline sa akin. Sinasabi ko lang sa kanila, kayo na ang bahala.”
It helps that Jason Perkins is a dependable leader for Phoenix.
“'Yon lang ang sinasabi ko, makinig kayo kay Jason Perkins kasi veteran na siya,” added the Phoenix mentor.
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Ricci Rivero also shines
Perkins delivered, finishing with a conference-high 33 points he spiked with seven rebounds, two assists and a block.
He dropped four points inside the final two minutes of action before Ricci Rivero sealed the game with a pair of free throws.
Rivero backstopped Perkins with 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Kenneth Tuffin added 13 points, including a booming trey that doused a mini Blackwater run, 99-91.
“Our approach for the last two games will be the same. Obviously, we need to win those games in order to have an opportunity to make the playoffs. The sense of urgency will still be there every single game,” said Wilson.
Sedrick Barefield paced the Bossing with 25 points, five rebounds and the same number of assists.
Christian David fired three triples on his way to 18 points, while Abu Tratter had 17 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Blackwater continued its downward spiral, absorbing its seventh consecutive loss against a sole victory for joint 11th with Terrafirma.
Phoenix vs. Blackwater Scores:
PHOENIX 106 – Perkins 33, Rivero 25, Tuffin 13, Ballungay 9, Tio 9, Santos 8, Jazul 3, Nelle 2, Taha 2, Kwekuteye 2, Garcia 0, Ando 0, Caperal 0, Escandor 0
BLACKWATER 98 – Barefield 25, David 18, Tratter 17, Panopio 12, Mendoza 8, Mallilin 5, Guinto 4, Cruz-Dumont 3, Escoto 2, Andrade 2, Una 2
Quarterscores: 33-21, 49-43, 80-70, 106-98
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.