PHOENIX got back on the winning track by subduing Blackwater, 102-93, on Tuesday in the PBA 50th Season Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jason Perkins finished with 25 points and new acquisition Gian Mamuyac began to settle down with his new team as shown by his 18 points.
The Fuel Masters improved to 4-1 and dealt the Bossing a third straight loss.
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They are coming off their first loss in the conference, 105-98, against Rain or Shine prior to the win.
Coach Charles Tiu said it’s not the time for the team to take it easy despite keeping the top spot in its bracket which he considers the ‘Group of Death,’ owing to the presence of champion teams Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, Magnolia, and Meralco.
“We just can’t relax. We’re in a good position to make the playoffs,” he said. “Kami naman we just take it step by step, one game at a time, and trying to get as many wins as possible.”
Import Robert Johnson added a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while scoring 10 of his output in the fourth period.
He likewise instigated an 11-3 run in the final quarter that turned a close 83-80 contest into a 94-83 Phoenix lead with 5:13 to go.
Ricci Rivero also had a good all-around game for the Fuel Masters with 10 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Import Kentrell Barkley had a monster game of 36 points and 25 rebounds for Blackwater, which fell to a 2-3 record after winning its first two outings of the conference.
RK Ilagan also finished in double figures with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield added 10, but shot 5-of-19 from the field.
The scores:
Phoenix (102) - Perkins 25, Johnson 23, Mamuyac 18, Rivero 10, Tio 8, Escandor 6, Tuffin 6, Ballungay 2, Delos Santos 2, Chua 2, Santos 0, Cullar 0.
Blackwater (93) - Barkley 36, Ilagan 20, Barefield 10, Austria 8, Panopio 7, Tratter 4, Una 4, Mallilin 2, Mendoza 2, Murrell 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22; 54-53; 78-72; 102-93.
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