The 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup continued on Sunday with two teams in search of their first win and another looking to bounce back. Here’s a recap of the action:
Phoenix Stuns Meralco as Jason Perkins Returns
The Phoenix Fuel Masters raced out to a dominant first quarter and held on late for a 109-97 triumph over the defending champion Meralco Bolts. It is their first win in the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup
Phoenix, seemingly inspired by the return to play of Jason Perkins, started like a house on fire, building a 31-13 lead after one thanks in part to the red-hot shooting of Ricci Rivero. The flamboyant rookie scored 14 of his career-high 20 points in the opening period alone to help the Fuel Masters build an early lead. Backcourt mate Tyler Tio added 22 points and 6 dimes, while Perkins finished with 19 points and 5 boards.
Chris Newsome had 18 points for the Bolts, who trailed by as much as 90-64 in the third. Meralco cut the lead down to nine down the stretch but was just overpowered by the inspired play of the Fuel Masters. Bong Quinto chipped in 17, with Raymar Jose and Aaron Black adding 12 apiece.
The scores:
Phoenix (109) – Tio 22, Rivero 20, Perkins 19, Ballungay 11, Tuffin 9, Salado 5, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Soyud 3, Garcia 2, Verano 2, Ular 2, Daves 2, Camacho 2, Manganti 2
Meralco (97) – Newsome 18, Quinto 17, Jose 12, Black 12, Cansino11, Almazan 10, Reyson 6, Rios 5, Caram 2, Torres 2, Hodge 2, Pasaol 0, Bates 0
Up Next:
Phoenix vs. Magnolia Hotshots on April 26 (Zamboanga Cty)
Meralco vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on April 27 (Ynares Center)
Converge Waylays Blackwater Behind Twin Towers, Schonny Winston
Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar proved to be a handful once more as they powered the Converge FiberXers to a 111-80 rout of the Blackwater Bossing for their second win in the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup.
Converge’s two bigs finished with double-doubles as Arana put up 19 points and 11 rebounds and Baltazar had 16 markers and 10 boards. Schonny Winston added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Rey Suerte added 11 points on three triples.
RK Ilagan fired 19 points off the bench for the Bossing, who were simply outgunned with main man Sedrick Barefield held to just 5 points. Russell Escoto was the only other Blackwater player to get to double-digits with 11.
The scores:
Converge (111) – Arana 19, Winston 16, Baltazar 16, Suerte 11, B. Santos 10, Garcia 9, Delos Santos 7, Racal 5, Stockton 4, Fleming 4, Caralipio 4, Corpuz 3, R. Santos 2, Nermal 1
Blackwater (80) – Ilagan 19, Escoto 11, Chua 9, Tungcab 9, Caperal 7, Kwekuteye 6, Barefield 5, Jopia 4, Andrade 3, Guinto 3, Ayonayon 2, Mitchell 2, David 0, Casio 0,
Mallillin 0
Up Next:
Converge FiberXers vx. TNT Tropang 5G on April 27 (Ynares Center)
Blackwater vs. NorthPort Batang Pier on April 25 (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup Continues
The 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup continues on Wednesday with a double-header featuring two on-the-rise squads and two veteran teams with championship aspirations. The Northport Batang Pier will take on the Magnolia Hotshots in the first game, while the San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia Hotshots tussle in the second game.
