PHOENIX raced off to a hot start, sputtered late before regaining its bearing in the final minutes to take a 111-104 win over NLEX in the PBA preseason pocket tournament on Wednesday.
Rookie Jayson Perkins stood the tallest with 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists for the Fuel Masters, who finished the four-team tournament with a 2-1 record.
Jeff Chan scored 17, while Justin Chua and Matthew Wright added 15 each.
The Fuel Masters jumped to a 19-6 lead then ended the half with a 52-42 lead. But the Road Warriors came out with guns ablaze off the halftime break to make it a close match entering the fourth period.
It didn't take long, though, for Phoenix to gain steam anew and seize control of the first of a double-header match in Pasig City.
RJ Jazul's jumper with 1:56 left gave Phoenix enough cushion, 105-96, to come out on top.
Larry Fonacier paced the Road Warriors with 18 points.
Raul Soyud added 15 points and 12 rebounds while JR Quinahan and Kiefer Ravena had 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
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