MANILA — Phoenix sophomore forward Jason Perkins opened the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup with a noteworthy playoff effort on the way to capturing the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award.
The left-handed big man out of La Salle showed his readiness for the playoffs after registering a new career-high 31 points on top of nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block to lead top-seed Phoenix to a one-sided 91-76 demolition of Alaska in their quarterfinal duel.
The 6-foot-3-Perkins played bigger than his size, outplaying his taller Alaska defenders after going 11-of-15 from the floor in the opening round of the playoffs. He also went 8-of-9 from the foul line.
The win pole-vaulted the Fuel Masters to the franchise’s first-ever semifinal stint.
“We worked really hard for this. We get a lot of support from Phoenix (management). Everyone invested a lot on this, the energy and time so finally getting this one is good,” Perkins said after the game.
The reigning PBA Rookie of the Year finished the elimination round averaging 13.0 points, 7.91 rebounds and 1.18 assists per contest.
And knowing their title bid is at stake, Perkins took it upon himself to lead at the front for Phoenix, which entered the playoffs enjoying a twice-to-beat edge.
Perkins beat Rain or Shine guards Ed Daquioag and Rey Nambatac, Barangay Ginebra big men Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter as well as San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo for the weekly citation.
Phoenix faces the winner of the TNT-San Miguel quarterfinal pairing in the semifinals.
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