CLUTCH CHARITIES. Jason Perkins tries to shake off the defense as he leads Phoenix turn back NorthPort, 110-105, in their PBA meeting at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Thursday (Oct. 15, 2020). Perkins scored 31 points including two crucial free throws within the 12 seconds of the game. (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)
MANILA – Phoenix on Thursday night banked on clutch free throws within the last 12 seconds to withstand NorthPort, 110-105, in their Philippine Basketball Association game at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Jason Perkins and RJ Jazul sealed the victory for the Fuel Masters with four consecutive charities as they kept the Batang Pier, who had their struggles from the free throw line all game long, from completing a comeback from a 14-point deficit.
Perkins finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists for Phoenix, which tied TNT at the top of the team standings at 2-0.
Matt Wright, who exploded for 36 points in Phoenix's season opening win against Meralco, played more of a facilitator this time, dishing nine assists, but he still made 23 points on top of seven rebounds and one steal.
Chris Standhardinger put up 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, but he only made 6-of-16 from the free throw line as NorthPort fell to 0-2.
Sean Anthony made a triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists with four steals.
As a unit, the team only shot 25-of-42 from the charity stripe.
The scores:
Phoenix 110 -- Perkins 31, Wright 23, Chua 17, Jazul 10, Heruela 9, Rios 8, Intal 5, Napoles 4, Marcelo 3, Garcia 0, Reyes 0
NorthPort 105 -- Standhardinger 28, Anthony 23, Lanete 17, Ferrer 14, Taha 7, Nabong 6, Elorde 4, Revilla 2, Guinto 2, Cruz 2, Subido 0, Manganti 0
Quarter scores: 23-23, 55-51, 83-77, 110-105. (PNA)
