Timely baskets from Jason Perkins in the fourth period gave the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters enough gas to take out NorthPort Batang Pier, 108-97, for their first win Thursday night in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The 6’4” power forward, who used to play for the La Salle Green Archers, buried nine of his 26-point output in the last period to spearhed the Fuel Masters’ win.
Perkins’ efforts with RJ Jazul in the final period helped push Phoenix to its first win in four matches.
New coach Jamike Jarin said the team’s positive attitude helped pull them out of a three-game slump.
“You just give credit to the players for staying positive,” said Jarin.
Import DuVaughn Maxwell banged in 26 points and 11 rebounds, but was held to just a point in the final period.
But Perkins picked up the cudgels as he led an 8-2 run in the last 4:21, with his floater and jumper widening an 92-85 lead to 14, 102-88.
This kept the Fuel Masters ahead, after the taking their biggest lead at 27, 84-57, off Jazul’s three-pointer in the last 3:26 in the third period.
Marcus Weathers shot 32 points for the Batang Pier, who went down with their fourth straight setback.
Jarin hopes that the team can pick up momentum as they shoot for another win when they meet the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 108—Perkins 26, Maxwell 26, Jazul 15, Manganti 13, Tio 8, Garcia 6, Serrano 6, Muyang 2, Lojera 2, Lalata 2, Soyud 1, Adamos 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0, Go 0
NORTHPORT 97—Weathers 28, Salado 15, Dela Cruz 12, Munzon 8, Chan 7, Tolentino 6, Sumang 5, Balagasay 5, Calma 2, Zamar 2, Taha 2, Caperal 2, Ayaay 0
QUARTERS: 23-25, 55-46, 86-71, 108-97
