With Jason Perkins back in the lineup, the Phoenix Fuel Masters checked a two-game slide in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Jason Perkins’ return after a two-game absence was a big boost for Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Just ask Fuel Masters coach Jamike Jarin.
“Siyempre, you know Jason. He’s a very good player and even more as a person. He brings a lot to the team,” said Jarin after Phoenix finally scored a win via a 109-97 zapping of Meralco at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Sunday, April 13.
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Perkins sat out the team’s first two assignments against Terrafirma and Converge because he was feeling under the weather, according to team manager Paolo Bugia.
The team felt his loss, with rookie Kai Ballungay saying that without the forward from La Salle, the team seemingly lost a voice that would guide them on the court.
Now that Perkins is back after a battle against sickness for several days, good things happened for Phoenix.
His 19 points and five rebounds certainly helped the Fuel Masters, who raced to 31-13 edge at the end of the opening quarter and went on to claim their first win in three games.
“He plays the big, he plays the perimeter, he plays defense. He’s just an overall player. So we're just happy that he’s playing and he’s with us,” said Jarin.