Perkins, Tuffin tow Phoenix past Blackwater to cap season

Jason Perkins and Ken Tuffin combined for 68 points to tow Phoenix past Blackwater, 124-109, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Both players also registered career-highs as Perkins had 39 points from 14 out of 20 field goal attempts, while Tuffin had 29 points built on four triples and an 81.8% field goal percentage. 

The Fuel Masters went hot early as they outscored the Bossing, 39-19, with Perkins having 12 points, while Tuffin had 11. Phoenix never looked back then and even held off Blackwater's late rally as the latter inched closer, 109-99, with 5:40 left in the final frame. RJ Jazul and Tyler Tio then made five points for Phoenix to recover quickly before they claimed the victory.

Aside from scoring, Perkins also had five assists and four rebounds, while Tuffin grabbed 14 boards, two assists, and a steal. Tio chipped in 14 points, while Kai Ballungay registered a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Richard Escoto led the Bossing with 20 points, while RK Ilagan had 18 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

With the win, Phoenix ended the conference with a 4-7 record, while Blackwater finished with a 2-9 win-loss card.

Scores:

Phoenix 124 – Perkins 32, Tuffin 29, Tio 14, Ballungay 14, Garcia 6, Rivero 5, Verano 5, Camacho 5, Jazul 4, Alejandro 3, Salado 0, Ular 0, Daves 0, Manganti 0.

Blackwater 109– Escoto 20, Ilagan 18, Barefield 13, Mitchell 9, Tratter 9, David 8, Guinto 6, Ayonayon 5, Andrade 5, Mallilin 5, Chua 4, Caperal 3, Jopia 2, Casio 2, Cortez 0.

Quarters: 39-19, 65-48, 97-85, 124-109.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News