PHOENIX closed a dismal PBA 49th Season on a high note by beating Blackwater, 124-109, on Friday - its second straight to finish the Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jason Perkins scored a career-high 39 points to stand at the head of an impressive showing by the Fuelmasters’ emerging frontline in a game where they led by as many as 25 points against the Bossing.
Kenneth Tuffin added a career-high 29 points coupled with 14 rebounds for Phoenix, which never relinquished the lead after a strong start that saw it lead, 39-19, at the end of the first quarter.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin expressed optimism for the next season after wrapping up this one with back-to-back victories.
“The entire season, a lot of learnings for a young group of guys,” said Jarin. “I’m like growing up with these young men. You have to fast track that but we have one year on our belt. We are growing together. We are looking forward in the next season.”
Tyler Tio had 14 points and nine assists, while Kai Ballungay finished his rookie season on a strong note with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Richard Escoto had 20 points, while RK Ilagan had 18 points and nine assists for Blackwater, which wrapped up the season with a 2-9 win-loss record.
The scores:
Phoenix 124 – Perkins 39, Tuffin 29, Tio 14, Ballungay 14, Garcia 6, Rivero 5, Camacho 5, Verano 5, Jazul 4, Alejandro 3, Salado 0, Ular 0, Daves 0, Manganti 0.
Blackwater 109 – Escoto 20, Ilagan 18, Barefield 13, Mitchell 9, Tratter 9, David 8, Guinto 6, Ayonayon 5, Andrade 5, Mallillin 5, Chua 4, Caperal 3, Jopia 2, Casio 2, Corteza 0.
Quarters: 39-19; 65-48; 97-85; 124-109.
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