PHOENIX dealt Blackwater a third straight loss, 111-106, and continued its surge up the standings of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Jason Perkins had 23 points and import Jonathan Williams added 21 to pace the Fuel Masters, who clinched a second straight win.
With the victory, Phoenix broke free from a three-way tie and clinched solo second place with a 3-1 record.
While happy with where his team is right now, coach Mike Jarin made it clear he’s far from being satisfied.
“We’re happy right now that we’re 3-1, but you can’t go to the playoffs with three wins. So the work still continues to get better and prepare for the coming games,” he said.
Perkins added eight rebounds and four assists, while Willams almost came through with a triple-double with his 12 rebounds and eight assists.
The victory was likewise capped by the perfect game of team captain RJ Jazul who finished with 19 points and was 5-of-5 from the field, including 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. The veteran guard was also 5-of-5 from the foul line.
Blackwater is now 1-3 as the team is on a downswing after initially winning over Converge in its debut game.
The loss put to naught the best game so far of import Chris Ortiz, who finished with a game-high 35 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
No. 2 rookie pick Christian David also had a career-game of 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, but frontcourt partner Troy Rosario fouled out midway in the final period.
The scores
Phoenix (111) - Perkins 23, Williams 21, Jazul 19, Rivero 14, Mocon 13, Tio 10, Manganti 3, Tuffin 3, Alejandro 3, Daves 2, Verano 0, Lalata 0.
Blackwater (106) - Ortiz 35, Ilagan 12, David 12, Suerte 11, Ular 10, Banal 8, Rosario 7, Ayonayon 6, DiGregorio 2, Casio 2, Guinto 1, McCarthy 0, Escoto 0, Hill 0.
Quarterscores: 31-22; 52-49; 77-76; 111-106.
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