By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters stopped the Terrafirma Dyip, 96-84, in PBA Philippine Cup action on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym (DHVSU) in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Jason Perkins led the charge of Phoenix, which played steady in the second half to keep Terrafirma at bay on its way to the victory while snapping the three-game winning streak of the Dyip.
The contest was tight by the halftime break, with the count standing at 48-47 and the Fuel Masters narrowly leading.
In the third quarter, Phoenix created some distance, stretching its lead to 13 points, 67-54, by the 4:33 mark.
The Dyip made a charge back late in the frame but the Fuel Masters continued to hold sway, 69-64, entering the final quarter.
Phoenix, however, would raise the ante anew at the start of the fourth canto, going on a 15-3 run in the first four minutes to stretch their lead to 17 points, 84-67.
It will not look back from there, proceeding to keep a safe distance and then wrapping things up.
Mr. Perkins had a game-high 28 points for the Fuel Masters with veteran Vic Manuel coming off the bench to score 18.
Matthew Wright was the other Phoenix player in double-digit scoring with 15.
The win towed the Fuel Masters to a 3-5 record, good for joint eighth place with Terrafirma.
For the Dyip, it was Aldrech Ramos who top-scored with 13 points.
NORTHPORT WINS
Meanwhile, in the second game, Northport Batang Pier defeated Blackwater Bossing, 98-73, to improve to 2-3 in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association tournament.
Robert Bolick had a near triple-double for the Batang Pier in the win, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Rookie Jamie Malonzo had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds while Kevin Ferrer added 14 points. Greg Slaughter had 12 points and 11 rebounds.
For Blackwater, which is now winless in eight games, it was Frank Golla and Richard Escoto who led with 14 and 10 points, respectively.