Jason Perkins. PBA . IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix outsold NorthPort, 108-97, in the undefeated PBA Governors’ Cup meeting on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Imports Du’Vaughn Maxwell and Jason Perkins led the way as the Fuel Masters entered the victory column after starting the congress ending the season with three straight losses.
Interim coach Jamike Jarin also had a breakout win after being tasked with replacing Topex Robinson, who left before the tournament started to take charge of La Salle in the UAAP.
“You have to commend the players and the coach because they are always upbeat,” said Jarin. “Hopefully this will lead to more wins in our successful games.”
Maxwell and Perkins each scored 26 points while combining to produce 18 rebounds for Phoenix, who dominated despite nearly squandering the lead.
Behind a 52 percent shot backed by 14-thirds, Fuel Masters led with a high of 26 before beating the Batang Pier rally behind Perkins and RJ Jazul, who added 16.
Jazul pulled out all five trios to help Phoenix’s cause.
Import Marcus Weathers scored 31 and Kent Salado came on from the bench with 15, but NorthPort paid a heavy price as they led 79-53 and fell 0-4 under new coach Bonnie Tan.
NorthPort was able to close the gap to five, 92-87, on Salado’s basket with more than seven minutes remaining, before Phoenix responded after Perkins and Jazul.
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.
NORTH 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.
Rounds: 23-25, 55-46, 86-71, 108-97.
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