By Peter Atencio
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters lost their rhythm but found it again, just in time to post a 113-107 triumph over the Converge Fiber Xers Friday night in the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Jason Perkins struck with a game-high 26 points to hand the Fuel Masters their second triumph.
After squandering an 18-point advantage, the Fuel Masters drew strength from the big game of Ken Tuffin, who chipped in nine of 16 points in the last period.
As King Caralipio’s driving found its range and allowed the Fiber Xers to move within striking distance, 100-103, with 4:34 left, in comes Tuffin, who scored six of seven points in the next instance.
Tuffin knocked in back-to-back baskets in the final 3:19, touching off an 8-0 blast which kept the the Fuel Masters out of danger, 111-100.
“We weren’t able to grab that advantage. We fell into a little hole. And then we got back our identity,” said Fuel Masters’ coach Willie Wilson.
Justin Arana fired 32 points for the Fiber Xers, who are winless after six outings.
Alec Stockton banged in 19 of 31 points in the last canto.
Stockton drilled in nine points as the Fiber Xers rallied back from a 73-91 deficit.
Stockton’s two freebies in the final 6:04, allowed Converge to move within range, 94-101.