PBA: Phoenix arrests two-game slump, sends Converge to 7th straight loss

Phoenix nearly squandered a double digit lead but held on just enough to eke out a 113-107 victory against the struggling Converge in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Fuel Masters, who saw their 18-point lead trimmed down to just three late in the fourth, arrested their two-game slump to improve to 2-4 while the FiberXers fell to a 0-7 hole. 

Jason Perkins had a huge night after finishing with a double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds on top of four assists while Ricci Rivero and Ken Tuffin chipped in 17 and 16 markers apiece to help the squad bounce back from previous losses to San Miguel and Rain or Shine. 

Converge was able to cut the deficit to a single possession after a King Caralipio layup, 100-103, before Tuffin scored five straight points fueled by a three-pointer off a Kent Salado assist. 

Tuffin buried two free throws before Javee Mocon’s basket sent Phoenix to a comfortable 113-103 cushion with 1:16 left in the game. 

The loss spoiled the huge outings from Justin Arana and Alec Stockton. The sophomore big man poured in 32 points on top of 16 rebounds, three assists, and one block while Stockton churned out 31 markers, seven boards, three dimes, three steals, and two blocks. 

Scores:

Phoenix 113 – Perkins 26, Rivero 17, Tuffin 16, Daves 11, Alejandro 10, Mocon 9, Lalata 7, Salado 6, Muyang 3, Manganti 3, Verano 2, Jazul 1, Camacho 0.

Converge 107 – Arana 32, Stockton 31, Santos 11, Delos Santos 8, Winston 8, Caralipio 7, Andrade 3, Ambohot 3, Fornilos 2, Fleming 2, Maagdenberg 0, Melecio 0, Nieto 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 23-27, 50-50, 86-73, 113-107.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News