Tuffin hits go-ahead layup as Phoenix nips Converge to sustain hot start

Ken Tuffin hit the go-ahead basket with five seconds left as Phoenix sustained its hot start to the conference with a 99-98 squeaker over Converge in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Down by one point in the waning seconds, the Fuel Masters executed a well-drawn play off a coach Jamike Jarin timeout as Jason Perkins found Tuffin in the paint for a wide-open layup that all but broke the hearts of the desperate and hard-fighting FiberXers.

Phoenix then leaned on its defense in the final possession of the contest, forcing Aljun Melecio to a tough fadeaway jumper that barely grazed the rim to sustain a fiery four-game winning streak for a solo second with a 5-1 slate.

Tuffin, who only finished with eight points across his name but scored the biggest basket of the ballgame, preserved the stellar outings from their own twin towers in Perkins and import Johnathan Williams.

Williams finished with 27 points, 16 rebounds and six assists on top of two blocks and two steals while his frontcourt partner Perkins added 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists – none bigger than the last pass that won them the game.

Phoenix actually looked to be on its way to an easy win after establishing a comfortable eight point lead, 93-85 with three minutes left.

Back-to-back triples from Schonny Winston and Kevin Racal pumped some life to the FiberXers’ hopes before import Tom Vodanovich punctuated the 11-2 spurt with his own booming triple that shoved Converge ahead, 96-95.

Perkins and Vodanovic then traded baskets in the ensuing possession setting up the table to the final play Phoenix executed to perfection.

Vodanovich carried the fight with 35 points and nine rebounds for the FiberXers who, just like in their first few losses, fought hard only to fall short and get frustrated in the end.

Winston chipped in 15 points while Bryan Santos added 11 and Jerrick Balanza and Justin Arana had 10 apiece in the losing effort for the now 0-5 Converge.