Phoenix dedicate win over NorthPort to their guard JC Cullar and family after his father’s death

The Phoenix Fuel Masters have had a poor Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup campaign, as evidenced by the team failing to make the playoffs, but playing for pride saw them defeat the NorthPort Batang Pier 118-107 on Wednesday, June 4, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Fuel Masters snapped a four-game losing streak, thanks to the stellar performance of Jason Perkins, who finished with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Kai Ballungay contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero added 14 points each, with RJ Jazul chipping in with 10 points. However, the biggest talking point was the inspirational performance of JC Cullar, who played despite his father’s death, honoring him with four points and four assists. 

Phoenix head Jamike Jarin lauded Cullar for showing up on the court at a difficult moment for him and dedicated their victory to his father.

Hang in there, JC!

Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin bared how Cullar quickly had to go to the airport and catch a flight to Italy after his father’s passing on the eve of the Fuelmasters’ game against NorthPort #PBA50https://t.co/qQ3IFeesnZ

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) June 4, 2025

“His dad passed away yesterday so let’s just pray for the Cullar family. He even played tonight and we dedicate the game to him, to his family, and to the soul of his father. I told him to go and get the fastest flight to be with his family and he said he has an obligation to his family here, to his Phoenix family and my dad would love to see me play. I salute him for that,” Jarin said in the post match press conference.

Perkins, who led Phoenix to victory, echoed his head coach’s thoughts, adding that he was moved by Cullar’s strength and resolve.

“It’s really hard to play after that happens with your family. He has a flight at 2 a.m., but he still had the strength to come out, play, and he played well tonight. JC hasn’t been anything but positive and strong and I think that really inspired and motivated us today,” Perkins said.

“Yesterday in practice, you wouldn’t even be able to tell. He was in there getting shots up before and after. He stayed positive, and he works hard,” he added.

The victory not only snapped a four-game skid but also ensured they don’t finish in the bottom three of the Philippine Cup standings. Phoenix will aim to finish their campaign on a positive note and finish with a 4-7 record when they face the Blackwater Bossing on Friday, June 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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