PBA: Phoenix turns back Blackwater, tops group after first round

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Jason Perkins during a game vs Blackwater Bossing in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines– Phoenix finished off its first round campaign on top of Group B after topping Blackwater, 102-93, in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Fuel Masters managed to pull away from the Bossing in the fourth quarter to secure a victory to give them a 4-1 record halfway into the group stage of the season-ending conference.

They also atoned for last week’s loss to Rain or Shine, with Jason Perkins leading the charge by pumping in 25 points even as Gian Mamuyac had his best-scoring game since being traded by adding 18 points on top of three steals.

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ BJ Johnson during a game vs Blackwater Bossing in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Import BJ Johnson picked up his scoring late for 23 points while grabbing 12 rebounds.

With the victory, the Fuel Masters matched their best start since the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup–the last time they made the semifinals.

Blackwater dropped to 2-3 after suffering its third straight loss, putting import Kentrell Barkley’s 36 points and 25 rebounds in vain.

The Bossing fell to fourth in Group B, but still ahead of Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, holding similar 1-2 records.