PBA: Phoenix sends TNT to worst start in 25 years

Jason Perkins was perfect from the three-point range for Phoenix. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

TAGUIG—Phoenix handed TNT its first 0-3 start in a long while after scoring a 95-81 blowout win in their PBA Philippine Cup battle on Friday night at the Ynares Center 2 in Rodriguez, Rizal.

The Fuel Masters made it rain from threes, going 12-for-20 from between 22 and 27 feet to help open a huge lead that the Tropang 5G could not overcome in the end.

Jason Perkins led Phoenix, which tied Meralco for seventh place in the team standings at 2-3, with 27 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting on triples, six rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Tyler Tio added 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-4 on treys, three rebounds, and four assists.

Calvin Oftana tallied 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one steal to lead TNT, which according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon last went 0-3 in the 2000 Philippine Cup when it was still carrying the Mobiline brand.

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