ALREADY out of playoff contention but the Phoenix Fuel Masters played with some pride and nipped the NorthPort Batang Pier, 118-107, in the 49th PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night, June 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In a battle between eliminated teams, it was Phoenix that played like so much was at stake, putting in a solid effort from start to finish to tally its third win in 10 games.

Typifying Phoenix’s determined effort was JC Cullar, who suited up despite the death of his father abroad.

Cullar was asked to get the fastest flight but he opted to fulfill his obligation with the team first. He went on to play for seven minutes and 24 seconds, tallying four points and four assists.

Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 26 points on top of eight rebounds, Kai Ballungay added 17 markers and nine boards, Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero chipped in 14 points apiece and RJ Jazul had 10.

Phoenix is set to play its last game in the All-Filipino Conference against the Blackwater Bossing on June 13. It is bound to finish the tournament in ninth place.

NorthPort, on the other hand, suffered its eighth defeat against a single win in what has been a dismal campaign.

The defeat also spoiled the debut of Calvin Abueva in a NorthPort uniform. Acquired from the Magnolia Hotshots in exchange for William Navarro, Abueva finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Joshua Munzon fired a game-high 32 points to lead the Batang Pier.

THE SCORES:

PHOENIX (118) - Perkins 26, Ballungay 17, Tuffin 14, Rivero 14, Jazul 10, Tio 9, Verano 8, Garcia 5, Soyud 4, Cullar 4, Manganti 3, Camacho 2, Ular 2, Daves 0, Alejandro 0.

NORTHPORT (107) - Munzon 32, Abueva 18, Cuntapay 15, Flores 9, Bulanadi 8, Jalalon 7, Nava 7, Balanza 4, Taha 3, Kwekuteye 2, Yu 2, Onwubere 0, Nelle 0.QUARTERSCORES: 30-38, 56-51, 82-80, 118-107.(CCM)

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