FOR the second straight game in the PBA Philippine Cup, Phoenix missed the services of main big man Jason Perkis due to the flu.
The Fuel Masters opted to rest the veteran power forward in their Sunday tussle against the Converge FiberXers, which they lost, 92-83, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Perkins also missed the team’s opening game against Terrafirma in a 95-87 loss as it fell to a 0-2 standings going to a week-long break.
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Phoenix was hoping the 32-year-old De La Salle product would only miss the game against the Dyip.
“Now he said he’s better, but still not 100 percent. So we just told him to take the rest. Kasi we have another week (to rest). And then come back na lang stronger. No use coming here because he might only be 60 or 70 percent (healthy),” said team manager Paolo Bugia following the close loss to Converge.
The team official expects Perkins to join the Fuel Masters in practice this week.
“He actually practiced with us this whole week, but under the weather na siya the day before the game (against Terrafirma),” added Bugia.
Perkins was a game-time decision against the Dyip and then later, against the FiberXers.
“We said next time na lang,” the Phoenix official said.
Balunggay steps up
In Perkins’ absence, rookie big man Kai Balungay has been delivering solid numbers, including a 15-point, 12-rebound, two-block performance against the FiberXers.
But not having Perkins around is truly a tall order for Phoenix, according to Balungay.
“You know in the court we’re like missing a voice out there. He’s our leader, the anchor to this team. So just got to pick up the slack,” he said.
Bugia agreed.
“I think some of the guys stepped up from the bench. It’s just a tall order especially when we can’t hit our shots,” Bugia said after Phoenix shot a lowly 33 percent from the field.
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