Phoenix refuels playoffs hopes after beating Terrafirma

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Phoenix Super LPG is back in the winning column after halting the three-game winning streak of the rolling Terrafirma Dyip, 96-84, to increase their chances of another PBA Philippine Cup playoff appearance.

After a sluggish start in the tournament, head coach Topex Robinson and the Phoenix squad are slowly getting back on track.

Star forward Jason Perkins carried the offensive load in the first half after starting on an impressive 6/8 field goal clip and ended up with a game-high 28 points.

Phoenix needed the lift provided by Perkins as main gunner Matthew Wright continued to struggle on the offensive end after shooting 5/13 from the field.

Phoenix built a double digit-lead early on but the resilient Dyip squad managed to mount a huge scoring spree in the second quarter to cut their lead to just one, 42-41, entering the third period.

However, Phoenix’s deep rotation and experience emerged on top in the last two quarters as they just outscored Terrafirma, 48-37, and pulled off several momentum-boosting defensive stops courtesy of Justin Chua and RJ Jazul.

The win helped Phoenix improve to a 3-5 win-loss record, ninth overall, and is aiming to rack more victories to increase their bid of another playoff campaign.