Jason Perkins and Kenneth Tuffin played the games of their PBA careers on Friday night, June 13, as Phoenix Super LPG closed its PBA Philippine Cup campaign with a commanding 124-109 win over Blackwater Bossing at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Perkins dropped a career-high 39 points while Tuffin recorded a stellar double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds, powering the Fuel Masters to a wire-to-wire victory. Phoenix raced to an early 32-12 lead, extended it to as much as 25 points, and never looked back as it ended its season with a 4-7 record—good for ninth place overall.

Phoenix sets tone early and finishes strong

Despite being out of playoff contention, the Fuel Masters came out aggressive, outscoring Blackwater 65-48 by halftime and stretching the margin to 78-53 in the third quarter. Tuffin and Perkins combined for 51 first-half points, with Tuffin also helping shut down Blackwater’s Christian David, who was held to just eight.

“I wanted to set the tone defensively,” said Tuffin. “I think I was able to do that today and also take charge in the end.”

Blackwater made a push late in the third and early in the fourth, trimming the lead to just 105-95. But with Perkins anchoring the offense down the stretch, Phoenix maintained control and sealed the win.

Bright signs for PBA Season 50

Head coach Jamike Jarin was optimistic postgame, particularly with the performances of Phoenix’s young core.

“The way we played the last two games is how we should be playing in Season 50,” Jarin said. “Kai Ballungay was big-time in this all-Filipino. He’ll be a superstar in this league.”

Ballungay capped his rookie campaign with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyler Tio added 14 points and nine assists. Jarin also praised the leadership of veterans RJ Jazul, RR Garcia, and Jayjay Alejandro for guiding the team’s development.

Blackwater, on the other hand, ended its conference with a 2-9 record, officially placing 10th. Richard Escoto led the Bossing with 20 points, followed by RK Ilagan with 18 points and nine assists. Sedrick Barefield was limited to 13 points.