Phoenix received a boost upon the return of star forward Jason Perkins after missing the first two games in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
With Jason Perkins back in the fold, the Phoenix Fuel Masters aim to keep their newfound spark alive as they challenge the unbeaten Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, April 26, in Zamboanga City.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m.
After stumbling out of the gates with two straight losses, Phoenix found its rhythm just in time, pulling off a breakthrough win over defending champion Meralco.
The return of Perkins—who missed the first two games due to illness—was a game-changer, giving the Fuel Masters the inside-out balance they desperately needed.
Now at 1-2, Phoenix is hoping to ride that momentum into another tough test: a clash with the red-hot Hotshots, who are 3-0 and coming off a thrilling 98-95 overtime win over San Miguel.
Magnolia brings a deep lineup led by Jerom Lastimosa, Zavier Lucero, Ian Sangalang, and hometown hero Mark Barroca.
But with Perkins back in the mix and confidence slowly building, Phoenix is out to prove the Fuel Masters belong in the conversation—and that their resurgence is no fluke.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]