Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Jason Perkins against TNT Tropang 5G defenders during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Nobody embodied the phrase “calm, cool and collected” quite like Phoenix forward Jason Perkins on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Fuel Masters surprised the grand slam-seeking TNT, 95-81, at Ynares Sports Center in Montalban, Rizal, behind the standout efforts of Perkins.
READ: PBA: Phoenix sends TNT to worst start since 2000 All-Filipino
But it wasn’t just his numbers that stood out—the Filipino-American forward played nearly 38 minutes without committing a single foul against the defensive-minded Tropang Giga.
“[I’m] just staying in the moment,” said Perkins.
“My teammates, coaches and coach Jamike (Jarin), keep me accountable and tell me not to get ahead of myself. Sometimes I get emotional so they just bring me back down to earth to stay in the moment.”
The disciplined performance helped Phoenix improve to 2–3 in the young season.
READ: PBA: Jason Perkins’ return fuels Phoenix past Meralco for first win
Perkins, a product of La Salle, finished with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block in the win. It was a big bounce-back effort after missing the team’s early games due to illness.
“[In my] first game back, I cramped up in the third. Last game, [I] cramped up in the fourth. This game, I didn’t cramp up,” he said with a smile.
“We have really good S&C (strength and conditioning) coaches and PTs, so they’ve been helping me a lot.” Up next for Perkins and the Fuel Masters is a tough matchup against powerhouse San Miguel Beer on Sunday, May 11, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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