Phoenix spoiled the NorthPort debut of Calvin Abueva by claiming a 118-107 win in a battle of two eliminated teams in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Jason Perkins led the charge with 26 points plus eight rebounds and four assists as the Fuel Masters ended a four-game skid to go 3-7 following a contest that only had pride at stake.

Rookie Kai Ballungay and Kenneth Tuffin added 17 and 14 points as Phoenix handed NorthPort its eighth consecutive defeat despite Abueva’s first game since being traded from Magnolia last week.

Calvin Abueva in a NorthPort jersey. –PBA IMAGES

Abueva came off the bench to produce 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks for the Batang Pier.

A NorthPort source said Abueva only joined practice on the eve of the contest after missing Friday’s loss to TNT at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NorthPort dropped to 1-8 despite trying to charge back in the third quarter behind Joshua Munzon, who had 14 of his 32 in that juncture.

Both teams each have a game left on their schedule where they’ll look to finish the season stronger, though that would be easier said than done.
Phoenix faces second-running NLEX on June 11 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium while NorthPort plays San Miguel Beer four days later at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.