Dominant Victory to Close the Conference
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters wrapped up their PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a high note, cruising past the Blackwater Bossing, 124-109, in their final game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The wire-to-wire win was powered by career-high performances from Jason Perkins and Kenneth Tuffin, marking a strong finish for a team that had seen its playoff hopes dashed earlier in the season.
Breakout Performances from Perkins and Tuffin
Jason Perkins delivered a scorching 39-point performance, while Kenneth Tuffin backed him up with 29 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing their offensive firepower and leadership. The duo combined for 51 points in the first half alone, setting the tone for Phoenix’s early dominance.
Tuffin also played a key role on defense, limiting Blackwater’s top scorer Christian David to just eight points. “I wanted to set the tone defensively,” said Tuffin post-game. “I think I was able to do that today.”
Supporting Cast Shines
Rising rookie Kai Ballungay capped off a promising season with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds, drawing praise from head coach Jamike Jarin as a future star in the league. “He has proven that he could play in this league and he’ll be a superstar,” said Jarin, clearly optimistic about Ballungay’s trajectory.
Tyler Tio also had a strong outing with 14 points and nine assists, while other young guns like Ricci Rivero, Raffy Verano, and Matthew Daves all contributed valuable minutes, signaling a solid foundation for the team’s future.
Veterans such as RJ Jazul, RR Garcia, and Jayjay Alejandro were also lauded by Jarin for guiding the younger players throughout the conference. “These are the ones that guide these young men to become better,” he added.
Strong Start Seals the Deal
Phoenix wasted no time in asserting its dominance, racing to a 32-12 lead in the opening quarter. By halftime, they had built a comfortable 65-48 cushion and later stretched it to 78-53 early in the third. Though Blackwater mounted a mild rally to trim the deficit to 10 points at 105-95, Phoenix never truly lost control of the game.
Perkins’ leadership and scoring proved crucial in holding off Blackwater’s last-ditch effort, as the Fuel Masters maintained their composure and closed out the win convincingly.
Coach Jarin’s Optimism for Season 50
With a 4-7 record, Phoenix officially finished ninth in the standings — just outside of playoff contention — but Coach Jarin remains upbeat. “The way we played the last two games is how we should be playing in Season 50,” he emphasized, referring also to their earlier 118-107 win over NLEX.
He expressed belief in the core of young talent the team has assembled and remains hopeful that with more maturity and guidance, players like Tuffin, Ballungay, Tio, and others can evolve into consistent contributors and future stars.
Blackwater’s Disappointing Finish
On the other side, the Blackwater Bossing ended their campaign with a 2-9 record, placing them 10th. Despite a spirited effort late in the game, they were ultimately outmatched by Phoenix’s energy and execution.
Richard Escoto led Blackwater with 20 points, while RK Ilagan added 18 points and nine assists. However, they struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, particularly with Sedrick Barefield limited to 13 points and Christian David held to just 8, a far cry from his usual scoring output.
Looking Ahead
For Phoenix, this strong finish serves as a confidence booster and a potential springboard heading into the next PBA season. With a blend of youth and experience, and key players showing growth and maturity, the Fuel Masters have reason to be optimistic.
Coach Jarin’s development-first mindset is clearly paying off, and if the team continues to build on its late-season momentum, Phoenix could emerge as a more competitive squad in the PBA’s 50th season.