Phoenix Fuel Masters bench celebrate after RJ Jazul’s basket during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — While Phoenix earned a win in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the expense of NorthPort, it wasn’t all celebration after the final buzzer.

The Fuel Masters defeated the Batang Pier, 118-107, in a game dedicated to guard JC Cullar, who lost his father just a day earlier.

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“His dad passed away yesterday so let’s just pray for the Cullar family. He [even] played tonight and we dedicate the game to him, to his family, and to the soul of his father,” said an emotional coach Jamike Jarin.

“I told him to go and get the fastest flight to be with his family and he said he has an obligation to his family here, to his Phoenix family.”

Despite the personal tragedy, Cullar suited up and contributed four points and four assists. His demeanor gave no hint of the burden he carried.

Jarin revealed that the College of St. Benilde product chose to play first, saying, “He said, ‘My dad would love to see me play.’ So he got the earliest flight after our game. I just salute him for that. I don’t know, if I was in his position, I wouldn’t even be able to move.”

Jason Perkins, who led Phoenix with 26 points to improve to 3-7, was moved by Cullar’s strength and resolve.

“It’s really hard to play after that happens with your family. He has a flight at 2 a.m., but he still had the strength to come out, play, and he played well tonight,” said Perkins. “JC hasn’t been anything but positive and strong and I think that really inspired and motivated us today.”

“Yesterday in practice, you wouldn’t even be able to tell. He was in there getting shots up before and after. He stayed positive, and he works hard,” Perkins added. added.