The Phoenix Fuel Masters snapped a two-game slide on Friday with a 125-108 rout of the Blackwater Bossing at the Ynares Center in Montalban. With the win, Phoenix improved to 4-2 in this PBA Commissioner’s Cup, while Blackwater fell further to 1-6.
What Happened?
Blackwater kept in step with Phoenix for most of the first quarter thanks to an explosive 16-point start by Sedrick Barefield. An 11-3 finish to the opening frame, however, allowed the Fuel Masters to take a 34-26 advantage into the second quarter, where Phoenix continued its hot shooting. The Fuel Masters eventually built a double-digit lead on their way to a 67-56 cushion at intermission.
A quick 7-0 start to the third gave Phoenix a 20-point bubble and set the stage for the Fuel Masters’ third straight 30-point quarter, taking a 96-77 lead into the final frame. The two teams essentially traded baskets in the fourth as Phoenix cruised to its fourth win in this PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Who Stood Out?
Several players shined for Phoenix, starting with import James Dickey III, who dominated with 27 points, 26 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Jason Perkins and Ken Tuffin also delivered standout outings, with Perkins going off for 25 points on 10-for-14 shooting, and Tuffin adding 20 points and 7 rebounds on four triples.
Blackwater, in contrast, drew a big game from Barefield, though he did most of his damage in the first half, where he fired 26 of his 27. Robert Upshaw III had his moments en route to a 36-point, 9-rebound outing.
3 Keys to the Game
- Three-point shooting. Phoenix has become one of the more prolific three-point shooting teams in the PBA, and it was no different against Blackwater. In total, the Fuel Masters converted 12 of their 35 attempts from downtown, while the Bossing made just 1 of 17. That’s a 33-point difference.
- Defense. It wasn’t a defensive clinic per se, but the Fuel Masters buckled down on that end when needed. In particular, Phoenix clamped down on Barefield in the second half, effectively stopping Blackwater’s point of attack.
- Bench play. Tuffin and Perkins outscored the Bossing’s bench by a mile, 55-29. Overall, Phoenix’s reserves had 66 to boost the Fuel Masters’ scoring.
Next Up for the PBA
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Ynares Center – Montalban
TNT Tropang 5G vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (5:15 p.m.)
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. Terrafirma Dyip (7:30 p.m.)
