Black Knights end PBA campaign on high note

MANILA, Philippines -- It may have been a less-than-ideal PBA debut for the Macau Black Knights, but they had a “perfect” end to their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Wednesday. 

Macau dealt the Phoenix Fuel Masters their fifth loss in 11 games in the import-laden conference with a 105-98 victory Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Black Knights thus finished their campaign with a 3-9 win-loss record. 

“I'm feeling like, hey, we just ended on a great note. Everybody was hype, everybody's cheering for each other. We had a good few days of practice, our morale was high,” Macau head coach Marcus Elliott told reporters. 

“We're looking forward to seeing what's next for us coming up, but to end on this note is perfect.” 

The guest team started off the conference with seven losses, which pushed them to the bottom of the barrel. 

However, the squad finished strong, winning three of their last five games. 

They won over fellow also-ran Titan Ultra Giant Risers and the Blackwater Bossing, as well as the playoff-bound Phoenix. 

Elliott added that they “for sure” would want to return in the PBA. 

“We're looking forward to that. We'll see what happens. Build a stronger relationship with management and just see what happens next.” 

Jenning Leung torched the Fuel Masters with 32 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Ramon Cao added 23 markers, while Tony Mitchell and Phoenix Shackelford had 13 each. 

Ken Tuffin paced Phoenix with 27 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Jason Perkins and Johnathan Williams had 20 each. 

Leung, for his part, said playing in the PBA was “an amazing experience”. 

“The Philippines is a basketball country, so getting the opportunity to play here and feel that passion is really special and something I think all of us will cherish,” Leung said. 

Moving forward, Elliott said that if the opportunity presents itself for the team to come back, they would want to have “consistent bodies.” 

“Our main core is amazing. Everybody's got high numbers and we're always just a possession or two away from winning the game or being close to winning it. So really just have more depth,” he said. 

“Even under the circumstances of the losses and not making the playoffs, I appreciate it and I'm grateful for the opportunity.” 

Phoenix is currently in a logjam in the quarterfinal race. The Magnolia Hotshots and the TNT Tropang 5G are holding identical 6-5 win-loss records.