Jason Perkins scored a conference-high 33 points as Phoenix defeated Blackwater, 106-98, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Perkins went 13 of 20 from the field while grabbing seven rebounds as the Fuel Masters resumed their campaign by improving to 3-6.
He was ably supported by Ricci Rivero, who added 25 points, nine rebounds and three assists to help Phoenix restore a share of nine spot with Titan Ultra.
Phoenix bounced back from a 102-93 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Nov. 16 prior to the Fiba break.
The Fuel Masters are within striking distance of Ginebra and the Meralco Bolts, who are tied for seventh and eighth at 3-4.
Blackwater suffered a seventh straight defeat to go down at 1-7 despite 25 points, five rebounds and five assists from Sedrick Barefield plus 18 points and 10 rebounds from Christian David.
Abu Tratter had 17 points and six rebounds while Dalph Panopio added 12 points and five assists in their first game since being tapped to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
They will miss the Bossing’s final two games of the eliminations while they are in the Thai capital of Bangkok for the centerpiece 5-on-5 event.