Phoenix outduels NorthPort in high-scoring affair, keeps playoff hopes alive

The Phoenix Fuel Masters snapped a four-game losing skid and kept their flickering playoff hopes alive in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, outlasting the NorthPort Batang Pier in a thrilling 118-107 encounter on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the PhilSports Arena.

The victory was not just a crucial one for Phoenix’s standing but also carried an emotional weight, as the Fuel Masters dedicated the win to teammate JC Cullar, whose father recently passed away abroad. Cullar bravely chose to play despite the tragic news, inspiring his team to a hard-fought win.

Phoenix started strong, building an 18-point advantage at one point in the first half. However, NorthPort, playing their first game with newly acquired forward Calvin Abueva, clawed their way back into the contest. The “Beast” made an immediate impact, contributing 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in his Batang Pier debut. Joshua Munzon led NorthPort’s charge with a game-high 32 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 5 assists, as the Batang Pier tied the game late in the fourth quarter.

Despite NorthPort’s persistent rallies, Phoenix showed composure in the clutch. Jason Perkins was instrumental, leading the Fuel Masters with 26 points, including 13 in the pivotal fourth quarter, where he knocked down three crucial triples. Kai Ballungay chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Kenneth Tuffin and Ricci Rivero added 14 points each for Phoenix.

FINAL: Phoenix prevails over NorthPort in a non-bearing affair. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/nlKEmoVNNI

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) June 4, 2025

Fuel Masters head coach Jamike Jarin lauded his team’s resilience, especially in the face of NorthPort’s strong comeback and their dedication to Cullar. “We feel for the family. It’s hard,” Jarin said, acknowledging Cullar’s difficult decision to play. “I’m sure he wanted to be with his family, but he said he wanted to be with this family also here. And I’m sure his dad wanted him to play, so he played.”

For NorthPort, the loss drops their record to 1-8, further dimming their already slim chances of making the playoffs. While Abueva’s debut offered a glimpse of the team’s potential, consistency remains a challenge for the Batang Pier.

Phoenix, now with a 3-7 record, still faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, but the morale-boosting victory and the inspiring performance against NorthPort provide a much-needed shot of confidence as they continue their campaign in the Philippine Cup.

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