The Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters were able to withstand the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel never-say-die spirit in final period and took home the victory, 111-103.
Jason Perkins has reminded everyone that he is the reigning Rookie of the Year as he demonstrated his tenacity in both the defensive and offensive end especially in the crucial moments of the game.
Perkins able to force a five seconds in-bound violation against Scottie Thompson then on the next ball possession that shifted to their end he was able to make a follow-up layup from his teammate missed shot.
That sequence deflated Ginebra’s hope to complete their late-game comeback.
Yet, it was really Matthew Wright who propelled the offense of Phoenix particularly in the third quarter where they were able to turn the tides.
Wright played like an import in tonight’s game where he scored 32 points and dished out six assists.
Ginebra played a fluid basketball in the first half and they bagged a 12-point advantage going to the third quarter.
Probably there was a tongue lashing occurred in the dugout of Phoenix during the half-time break which might be the reason why the of coach Louie Alas suddenly on a scoring frenzy.
Not only that they erased their double-digit deficit, Phoenix outscored Ginebra in the third quarter 45-25.
Then in the final quarter, it was the turn of the Gin Kings to make their patented late-game comeback but this time around they weren’t able to complete it.
Justin Brownlee flirted with a quadruple-double performance with his 31 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and six steals effort.
LA Tenorio added 20 points while Japeth Aguilar chipped in with 17 markers.
Phoenix has now improved to 4-4 record while the Gin Kings ended their two-game winning streak and dropped to 4-4 slate.
Jason Perkins With The Putback
Phoenix vs Ginebra Box Score
Quarters: 20-28 | 44-56 | 89-81 | 111-103
Fuel Masters (111) – Wright 32, Howell 31, Perkins 18, Chua 12, Jazul 6, Mallari 4, Intal 3, Wilson 3, Kramer 2
Gin Kings (103) – Brownlee 31, Tenorio 20, Aguilar 17, Pringle 12, Thompson 9, Slaughter 6, Mariano 3, Devance 3, Caguioa 2