James Dickey III Dominates as Phoenix Super LPG Ends Losing Streak with Commanding Win
In a thrilling PBA Commissioner's Cup matchup, Phoenix Super LPG relied heavily on the stellar performance of import James Dickey III to secure a decisive 125-108 victory over Blackwater. The game took place at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Friday, April 17, 2026, marking a crucial rebound for the Fuel Masters after two consecutive losses.
Dickey's All-Around Excellence Fuels Phoenix's Charge
James Dickey III was the standout player of the night, delivering an impressive stat line of 27 points, 26 rebounds, and five assists. His energy and motor were pivotal, as noted by Phoenix coach Charles Tiu, who praised Dickey's rest and preparation leading up to the game. Dickey also contributed three steals and three blocks, effectively offsetting his five turnovers and anchoring the team's defense.
Coach Tiu highlighted Dickey's impact beyond scoring, emphasizing his role in protecting the basket, pushing the pace, and creating opportunities for teammates like Kenneth Tuffin through handoffs. This collaborative effort helped Phoenix build a commanding lead, reaching as high as 28 points twice during the contest, with the final margin solidifying their dominance.
Supporting Cast and Bench Depth Propel Phoenix
Jason Perkins added 25 points to the scoreboard, while Kenneth Tuffin chipped in 20 points and seven rebounds. The bench played a significant role, outscoring Blackwater's reserves 66-29, which was instrumental in overcoming recent setbacks against NLEX and Barangay Ginebra. With this win, Phoenix improved its record to 4-3, boosting team morale after a tough two-game slide.
Coach Tiu expressed relief at ending the losing streak, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining team spirit during such periods. He also reflected on missed opportunities in previous games but remained optimistic about the team's potential for improvement moving forward.
Blackwater Struggles Amid Injuries and Poor Shooting
On the opposing side, Blackwater suffered its fourth straight loss, dropping to a 1-6 record and placing them in jeopardy of missing the quarterfinals. Despite a second consecutive 36-point game from Robert Upshaw and 27 points from Sedrick Barefield, the Bossing were hampered by key injuries to players like Dalph Panopio, Jed Mendoza, and RK Ilagan.
Paul Zamar and BJ Andrade attempted to fill the void with 14 and eight points respectively, but Blackwater was consistently outplayed from the opening quarter onward. Their struggles extended to three-point shooting, where they went a dismal 1-of-17, following a poor 2-of-25 performance in their previous loss to TNT.
Final Scores and Team Contributions
The final score reflected Phoenix's control throughout the game, with quarters ending at 34-26, 67-56, 97-79, and 125-108. Key scorers for Phoenix included Dickey, Perkins, and Tuffin, while Blackwater's efforts were led by Upshaw and Barefield. This victory not only halted Phoenix's slide but also underscored the importance of depth and resilience in the competitive PBA landscape.
