Fuel Masters bounce back, stay atop Group B

Phoenix Super LPG returned to the win column on Tuesday, pulling away in the fourth quarter to defeat Blackwater, 102-93, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Fuel Masters recovered from last week's setback against Rain or Shine to improve to 4-1 in Group B, tightening their grip on first place after completing their first-round schedule. Blackwater, meanwhile, dropped its third straight game to fall to 2-3.

Phoenix was forced into a close battle after the Bossing cut an 11-point deficit to just 83-80 with less than eight minutes remaining.

The Fuel Masters answered with an 11-3 run to regain control. BJ Johnson started the surge with a tough basket before Gian Mamuyac and Ricci Rivero scored on consecutive possessions, extending Phoenix's lead to 94-83 with 5:14 left.

"Credit to the guys, we were able to get some stops. It was tough, but we battled. And we didn’t give up. We got some stops when it mattered, and we were able to eke out the win," said Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu.

Jason Perkins came off the bench to lead Phoenix with 25 points and six rebounds, including 12 points in the third quarter that helped shift the momentum.

Johnson added 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Mamuyac turned in his best game in a Phoenix uniform with 18 points off the bench.

Rivero nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Blackwater relied heavily on import Kentrell Barkley, who produced game highs of 36 points and 25 rebounds, but received limited support from his teammates.

RK Ilagan contributed 20 points, while Sedrick Barefield struggled with just 10 points on 5-of-19 shooting, including 0-for-7 from three-point range, in more than 41 minutes of action.

The Bossing also continued to miss injured forward Christian David.

Phoenix and Blackwater will meet again in the opening game of the second round on Aug. 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.