The Phoenix Fuel Masters and Blackwater Bossing figured in an all-important outing on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to close another PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader. It was a showdown between two teams with fading playoff hopes, and Phoenix’s got a boost while Blackwater’s has been nearly extinguished after the former rolled on to a 106-98 victory.
What Happened?
Phoenix started off like a house on fire, racing out to a 33-21 lead after one quarter behind 10 early points from Jason Perkins. Blackwater halved that advantage with a 22-16 second quarter, only to let the Fuel Masters build a 10-point cushion, 70-60, going into the final canto. The Bossing tried mounting rallies, but Phoenix played with poise the entire fourth period to fend off every one of Blackwater’s comeback bids.
Who Stood Out?
Jason Perkins played arguably his best game of the PBA Philippine Cup thus far for the Fuel Masters, firing a conference-high 33 points on top of 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He was also an efficient 13-for-20 from the field and set the tone with his inspired effort early. Ricci Rivero was an able second option to Perkins, coming off the bench and putting up 25 points and 9 rebounds to go along with 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Sedrick Barefield and Christian David, meanwhile, took turns carrying the Bossing, with Barefield ending up with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. David, on the other hand, finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in a superb all-around showing. However, the two were a combined 14-for-39 from the field.
3 Keys to the Game
- Jason Perkins. Perkins set the tone with 10 first-quarter points to lead Phoenix to an early double-digit lead. Just as important, Perkins held steady the rest of the way, time and again making big plays to keep Blackwater at bay.
- Defense. Phoenix was tenacious on that end of the floor, flying all over the court and clamping down on the Bossing for much of the game. That defense held Barefield and David to 36% shooting overall, and the entire Blackwater team to 39.5%.
- Starters went off for Phoenix. With Perkins leading the charge, the Fuel Masters’ starters were able to build an early lead and establish momentum. In all, Phoenix’s starting five finished with 72 big points, while their Blackwater counterparts could only muster 57.
Next Up for the PBA
PBA Philippine Cup action continues later today, this time at the Ynares Center in Montalban, with two games featuring teams battling for those top four seeds: Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and Converge FiberXers. Magnolia takes on NLEX to open hostilities, followed by Rain or Shine testing the mettle of Converge.
Magnolia vs. NLEX (5:15 p.m.)
Rain or Shine vs. Converge (7:30 p.m.)
