Perkins, Wright provide spark for Phoenix as Blackwater remains winless

Jason Perkins and Matthew Wright carried the load as the Phoenix Super LPG rode a strong second half to keep Blackwater winless, 114-92, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Perkins unloaded 17 points, including four triples, to go with five rebounds and a block while Wright posted 16 markers, eight boards, and  six assists to steer the Fuel Masters to their fourth win in nine outings.

The Bossing, who continued their slump at 0-9, were led by Mike Tolomia who poured in game-high 23 points and five boards.

"We try to always be our best, that's our mindset every time we go to a game," said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson in the post-game press conference.
"We're in the process now of rebuilding and we love these kinds of opportunities for us to really get better."

Phoenix started slow against a Blackwater side thirsty for its first win.

After trailing for most part of the first half, a three-pointer by Wright at the 2:42 mark of the second quarter gave the Fuel Masters their first taste of the lead, 44-43, since their 3-2 advantage in the opening period.

Perkins then shot his third triple of the night followed by another two from RR Garcia as Phoenix detonated for a 17-7 barrage to open the third frame, 69-57.

Wright was far from done in the fourth period as the Filipino-Canadian guard buried another bucket from deep to push their lead to 21, 93-72. 

Blackwater tried to spark a small run after a 7-0 blitz highlighted by a driving basket from Tolomia to slice their deficit to 17, 104-87, but the Phoenix got solid support from other players to book the win.

Aside from Perkins and Wright, the Fuel Masters were also powered by Justin Chua's 17 points and nine rebounds and Chris Banchero's 10 markers and four dimes.

The scores:

Phoenix Super LPG (114) - Chua 17, Perkins 17, Wright 16, Jazul 14, Melecio 11, Banchero 10, Garcia 8, Manuel 7, Muyang 7, Pascual 4, Rios 3, Calisaan 0, Demusis 0, Tamsi 0.

Blackwater (92) - Tolomia 23, Magat 14, Daquioag 10, Cruz 9, Enciso 9, Golla 8, Escoto 6, Canaleta 4, Desiderio 4, Amer 3, Dennison 2, Paras 0, Torralba 0.

Quarterscores: 22-29, 52-50, 82-68, 114-92.

—JMB, GMA News