ALTHOUGH now just playing for pride, Phoenix Super LPG put up a big fight and snapped a four-game skid with a 118-107 win over NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Wednesday.
"We're all professional. Before tonight, we still have two games, and as I always say the most important is the next game. We have to work hard to get better," said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin of the proud stand they made though already out of the playoffs race.
Easily the most laudable was JC Cullar who showed up despite the death of his father abroad and had his contribution in the "W" that jacked up their record to 3-7.
"I told him to go get the fastest flight. But he said 'I have my obligation to my Phoenix family and my Dad would love to see me play.' I salute him for that," said Jarin of Cullar whom he utilized for seven minutes and 24 seconds.
And Cullar honored his father with a performance that netted four points and four assists
Jason Perkins scattered 26 points on top of eight rebounds, Kai Ballungay delivered 17 markers and nine boards with Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero adding 14 points apiece and RJ Jazul chipping in 10 for the Fuel Masters who are bound to finish ninth in the all-Filipino tourney.
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They go for a 4-7 closing card as they play their final game versus the Blackwater Bossing on June 13.
The Fuel Masters arrested their skid at the expense of the Batang Pier whom they handed an eighth loss against a lone win.
There's no stopping NorthPort's slump despite the debut of trade acquisition Calvin Abueva.
Abueva scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Batang Pier who were paced by Joshua Munzon with a game-high 32 points.(SB)
The scores:
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Phoenix 118 - Perkins 26, Ballungay 17, Tuffin 14, Rivero 14, Jazul 10, Tio 9, Verano 8, Garcia 5, Soyud 4, Cullar 4, Manganti 3, Camacho 2, Ular 2, Daves 0, Alejandro 0.
NorthPort 107 - Munzon 32, Abueva 18, Cuntapay 15, Flores 9, Bulanadi 8, Jalalon 7, Nava 7, Balanza 4, Taha 3, Kwekuteye 2, Yu 2, Onwubere 0, Nelle 0,
Quarterscores: 30-38, 56-51, 82-80, 118-107
