PHOENIX snapped out of its slump by defeating Converge, 113-107, on Friday in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Fuelmasters ended a two-game losing skid to improve their record to 2-4, with the FiberXers staying winless in seven outings.
Jason Perkins led the Phoenix attack with 26 points and 13 rebounds as the Fuelmasters spoiled the big night of Justin Arana, who had 32 points and 16 rebounds for Converge.
Phoenix had a balanced scoring attack with Ricci Rivero finishing with 17 points and Kenneth Tuffin scoring 16 points and hauling 10 rebounds. Three other players scored in double digits for Phoenix.
“Being able to share the ball, you see that we had six guys in double figures. Once we found that identity, we were able to get back on track,” said Phoenix assistant coach Willie Wilson.
The Fuelmasters built an 8-0 finish late in the fourth quarter to avert a meltdown after the FiberXers came to within three points, 103-100, after leading by as many as 18 points.
Converge failed to sustain its start after grabbing a 23-16 lead in the first quarter.
“A lot of people see the points but we have a lot of role players, a lot of guys on our team that are doing the things around the stat sheet,” said Perkins.
The scores:
Phoenix 113 – Perkins 26, Rivero 17, Tuffin 16, Mocon 11, Daves 11, Alejandro 10, Lalata 7, Salado 6, Muyang 3, Manganti 3, Verano 2, Jazul 1, Camacho 0.
Converge 107 – Arana 32, Stockton 31, Santos 11, Winston 8, Delos Santos 6, Caralipio 7, Andrade 3, Ambohot 3, Fornilos 2, Vigan-Fleming 2, Maagdenberg 0, Nieto 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarters: 23-27; 50-50; 86-73; 113-107.
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