By Adrian Stewart Co

Jason Perkins came up with go-ahead baskets as Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters cruised to an 89-87 win over Magnolia Hotshots in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup earlier this week at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Trailing 87-85 following a three-point play by Hotshots’ Paul Lee, Perkins answered with a three-pointer to surge the Fuel Masters ahead 88-87. He then converted a free throw with six seconds left to extend the lead to 89-87.

While Perkins finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for the Fuel Masters, Calvin Abueva led the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds. In addition, RJ Jazul contributed 19 markers.

Down by as much as 17 points, the Fuel Masters began its run in the third period behind Abueva, Jazul, and Matthew Wright to come within 75-73. The Hotshots, however, pulled away again, building an 84-79 lead on inside hits from Rafael Reavis.

Wright responded with a three-point play and a triple to surge the Fuel Masters ahead, 85-84, with 47 seconds left.

The Hotshots regained the edge for the last time on a three-point play by Lee with 33 ticks left./ASC, WDJ