PHOENIX Super LPG relied on Jason Perkins to roll back TerraFirma Dyip, 96-84, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Perkins waxed hot with game-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting in almost 36 minutes as the Fuel Masters improved to 3-5 and snapped Terrafirma’s three-game winning streak.

Perkins struck hardest in the first half as he scored 20 of his 28 points.

That tied the record of teammate Vic Manue for the most points in a half this conference. Manuel made his mark in a 101-93 win against former team Alaska last July 24.

Manuel added 18 points and four rebounds and Matthew Wright contributed 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals for Phoenix, which unleashed a 15-3 run at the start of the fourth quarter to turn a precarious 69-64 lead into 83-67 advantage.

Phoenix coach Topex Robinson was visibly happy with the victory.

“They beat San Miguel, they beat Ginebra, they beat Blackwater. That means they’re here on a mission,” said Robinson.

“We just respected the team.We know that if we’re not going to give our best basketball, I mean, that’s a recipe for a loss for us.”

Aldrech Ramos led the Dyip’s losing effort with 13 points, followed by Joseph Gabayni with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Later, NorthPort Batang Pier celebrated their return to action — and team manager Bonnie Tan’s birthday — by beating Blackwater Elite, 98-73.

Four players, led by Robert Bolick, scored in double figures as the Batang Pier posted their second win in five matches.

Bolick finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for NorthPort, which led by as many as 33 points.

Jamie Malonzo added 17 points and 12 rebounds, Greg Slaughter contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds and Kevin Fererr had 14 points for the Batang Pier.

“I just came in two days ago. And when I arrived, nakita ko sa practice sobrang positive sila,” said Tan, ho was tapped to handle team with head coach Pido Jarencio and his assistantscoaches under quarantine due to health and safety protocols.

“Sean Anthony and Kevin Ferrer showed their leadership. Nandiyan din yung ibang leaders, sila Rob (Bolick) and Greg (Slaughter), mature sila at talagang professional players,” added Tan, a champion coach with Lyceum Pirates.

Frank Golla had 14 points for Blackwater, which dropped to 0-8.

The scores:

Phoenix Super LPG (96) — Perkins 28, Manuel 18, Wright 15, Calisaan 9, Chua 9, Jazul 7, Banchero 4, Garcia 4, Pascual 2, Faundo 0, Demusis 0, Rios 0.
Terrafirma (84) — Ramos 13, Camson 11, Gabayni 11, Adams 11, McCarthy 10, Tiongson 8, Laput 4, Cahilig 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Batiller 3, Calvo 3, Celda 2.
Quarterscores: 24-17; 48-47; 69-64; 96-84.

Second game
NorthPort (98) – Malonzo 17, Bolick 17, Ferrer 14, Slaughter 12, Anthony 9, Lanete 9, Onwubere 8, Taha 7, Balanza 2, Grey 2, Faundo 1, Subido 0, Elorde 0, Doliguez 0, Rike 0.
Blackwater (73) – Golla 14, Escoto 10, Cruz 9, Enciso 8, Desiderio 8, Daquioag 7, Torralba 7, Magat 5, Tolomia 5, Paras 0, Semerad 0, Dennison 0, Canaleta 0, Amer 0, Nabong 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 45-40, 75-53, 98-73