Jason Perkins believes that Phoenix Super LPG’s experiences in do-or-die games helped save their PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
The Fuel Masters avoided being swept by Magnolia after a crucial Semis Game 3 win on Sunday.
This marks just the second time that the team has won a sudden death in these playoffs after a string of unsuccessful bids in previous seasons.
“Yeah, yeah. Definitely. I don’t even know how many times we lost and it got close just because we weren’t doing what we’re doing,” said the star forward moments after their 103-85 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
According to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, Phoenix had lost all nine of its knockout matches prior to the ongoing conference.
But Coach Jamike Jarin’s charges changed the story in the quarterfinals, when they foiled the attempt of Meralco in blowing their twice-to-beat advantage by way of an 88-84 win in their rubber match to complete the semis cast.
Then, of course, the campaign-saving win on Sunday, which Perkins thinks they pulled off thanks to that series against the undermanned yet gritty Bolts.
“I think these games, like you said the Meralco game, provided us with a lot of experience, I guess,” said the lefty bruiser, who had 13 points in Game 3.
Game 3 was indeed a display of character for the Fuel Masters. They stormed back from as much as 21 down and then put on a strong fourth quarter to complete the rally and extend the best-of-five series to at least one more game.
“We don’t look at the score when we play,” said Perkins of the fightback. “We’re just out there trying our best every possession, starting with our offense, getting back on defense, and continuing as many stops as we can get.
“Our guys are definitely resilient and I’m really proud of everyone for working hard and sticking to it, and sticking together,” he added.
That, again, was because of the lessons they learned, which they look to bring with them anew in another KO affair in Game 4 on Wednesday.
“I’m glad that happened because now, we know what to do in the endgame,” he said. “We just need to execute, get organized, rebound, and play defense.”
