PHOENIX Super LPG finally took its first win, overwhelming NorthPort, 108-97, on Thursday in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Fuel Masters led by as many as 27 points before weathering a Batang Pier rally to give interim coach Jamike Jarin his first PBA win since replacing Topex Robinson.
“You give credit to the players for staying positive,” said Jarin. “Kasi ‘yung first two games, we had a chance to win those. I took the blame. But staying positive and working the hardest, we got the win.”
Jason Perkins, Du’Vaughn Maxwell, and RJ Jazul took turns on offense in the emphatic victory that sent winless NorthPort to its fourth loss.
Perkins scored 26 points and started an 8-0 run to tow Phoenix to safer waters after NorthPort came to within five points, 92-87. Jazul and Sean Manganti also drained three-pointers in that key run.
Maxwell collected 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jazul had 16 points. One of his five threes in the game stretched Phoenix’s lead to 84-57, the largest of the game.
Manganti also had 13 points including three threes in the contest.
Marcus Weathers had 31 points and nine rebounds while Kent Salado added a career-high 15 markers for the Batang Pier, who continue to struggle while playing without Robert Bolick and Arwind santos.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 108 – Perkins 26, Maxwell 26, Jazul 16, Manganti 13, Tio 8, Garcia 6, Serrano 6, Muyang 2, Lojera 2, Lalata 2, Soyud 1, Adamos 0, Alejandro 0, Camacho 0.
NorthPort 97 – Weathers 31, Salado 15, Dela Cruz 12, Munzon 8, Chan 7, Tolentino 6, Sumang 5, Balagasay 5, Taha 2, Calma 2, Zamar 2, Caperal 2, Ayaay 0.
Quarters: 23-25; 55-46; 86-72; 108-97.