Jason Perkins exploded for Phoenix against Blackwater for the second straight time. PBA Images
By Ivan Saldajeno

LUCENA--Jason Perkins went for a season-high performance to lift Phoenix to a 106-98 win against Blackwater in their PBA Philippine Cup duel on Saturday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Perkins led the Fuel Masters, who had control for almost the entire game, with 33 points on 13-of-20 shooting.

The six-foot-four burly forward came six point short of his career-high 39, which he tallied six months ago also against the Bossing during last season's Philippine Cup.

Perkins also tallied seven rebounds, two assists, and one block as Phoenix joined Titan Ultra at 3-6, one game behind Meralco and Ginebra for the last two quarterfinal spots.

Ricci Rivero added 25 points on 6-of-10 field goals, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, while Ken Tuffin put up 13 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

Sedrick Barefield tallied 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Christian David contributed 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one block, and three steals for Blackwater, which dropped to 1-7, joining Terrafirma at the bottom.