ROOKIE Jason Perkins and Matthew Wright helped Phoenix separate itself from NLEX in the fourth quarter to secure a 111-104 victory Wednesday in their preseason game at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas.
Perkins and Wright combined for 10 points in a 12-2 run that allowed the Fuel Masters to take a 101-91 lead on their way to ending the three-day pocket tournament with two victories in three matches.
Perkins finished with 21 points, Wright made 15 points despite a 5-13 shooting while Jeff Chan scored 17 after being rested by coach Louie Alas in Tuesday's 89-85 win over Alaska.
Justin Chua, acquired from TNT KaTropa in an offseason trade, added 15 points.
Perkins scored back-to-back baskets to break an 89-all tie before Wright knocked down two triples during the decisive run that put Phoenix ahead by 10 with four minutes remaining.
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The Fuel Masters took another 10-point lead, 109-99, on Chua's basket, 56 ticks left, but Road Warriors rookie Kiefer Ravena scored five straight to narrow the gap in half.
Chan would then sink two foul shots to seal the final count.
Larry Fonacier topscored with 18 points for NLEX, which ended the mini-series with a 1-2 record. (JT)
