Jason Perkins exploded for 31 points to propel the Phoenix Fuel Masters to a 110-105 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Thursday, October 15.
Perkins tied his career-best in points and added 12 boards for the Fuel Masters, who improved to 2-0 in the league bubble.
The Fuel Masters led by as many as 14 points, 73-59, in the middle of the 3rd period but the Batang Pier managed to catch up and take the lead, 86-85, off a Garvo Lanete three-pointer early in the final frame.
NorthPort’s Kevin Ferrer caught fire late in the game, dropping 4 triples in the closing minutes but the Fuel Masters’ hot shooting from downtown was too much for the Batang Pier to handle.
Batang Pier fell to 0-2 and joined the NLEX Road Warriors and the Alaska Aces at the bottom of the standings.
Matthew Wright, who erupted for 36 points in their first outing, contributed 23 points while Justin Chua added 17 points for the Fuel Masters, who converted 17 three-pointers the whole game.
The duo of Sean Anthony and Christian Standhardinger both posted solid numbers for the Batang Pier as Anthony tallied a triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while Standhardinger had 28 points and 11 rebounds.
“We’re not really focusing on wins and losses. We’re just enjoying the process and we’re all thankful here to be just playing basketball again,” said Perkins.
The Scores:
Phoenix 110 – Perkins 31, Wright 23, Chua 17, Jazul 10, Heruela 9, Rios 8, Intal 5, Napoles 4, Marcelo 3, Garcia 0, Reyes 0.
NorthPort 105 – Standhardinger 28, Anthony 23, Lanete 17, Ferrer 14, Taha 7, Nabong 6, Elorde 4, Revilla 2, Guinto 2, Cruz 2, Subido 0, Manganti 0.
Quarters: 23-23, 55-51, 83-77, 110-105.
– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com
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