The Phoenix Fuel Masters continued their winning ways on Tuesday with a methodical 102-93 victory over the Blackwater Bossing. With the win, Phoenix finished atop Group B of the first round of the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations with a 4-1 record. Blackwater fell to 2-3, which is good enough for solo fourth place at the moment.
What Happened?
Phoenix and Blackwater traded baskets in a tight opening frame that the Bossing edged, 22-20, on a James Una layup with time winding down in the first quarter. Scoring picked up in the second, with Gian Mamuyac and Jason Perkins combining for 16 of the Fuel Masters’ 34 points, while Kentrell Barkley accounted for 14 of the Bossing’s 31. At the half, Phoenix held a slim 54-53 lead.
In the third quarter, the Fuel Masters tightened their defense, holding Blackwater to just 19 points while scoring 24 to take a 78-72 cushion into the final canto. The Bossing threatened a comeback, trimming the lead to 83-80 at the 7:33 mark. BJ Johnson, however, hit a jumper from the free-throw circle, followed by a Mamuyac three-pointer to restore the lead to 88-80. Blackwater never threatened again.
Who Stood Out?
Johnson was quietly effective, posting 23 points and 12 rebounds for another double-double. Perkins added 25 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 9-for-14 overall. Mamuyac delivered his best performance in a Phoenix uniform with 18 points and 3 steals, while Ricci Rivero contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
For Blackwater, Barkley carried the load with 36 points and 25 rebounds, trying to put the Bossing on his back. RK Ilagan chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, but the two received little support from the rest of the squad.
3 Keys to the Game
- Turnover points. Phoenix forced Blackwater into 17 turnovers, while committing 13 themselves. The Fuel Masters capitalized, converting those turnovers into 18 points compared to just 6 for the Bossing.
- Bench play. 53-15. That massive 38-point swing in bench production highlighted Phoenix’s depth and underscored how little help Barkley and Ilagan received.
- Pace. Phoenix played its usual high-octane style, registering a 27-13 advantage in fast-break points. By speeding up the pace, the Fuel Masters created quality shots and dictated the tempo.
Next Up for the PBA
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Terrafirma Dyip vs. Macau Giant Pandas (5:15 p.m.)
San Miguel Beer vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (7:30 p.m.)
