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The renewed Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters will attempt to take control of their best-of-five semi-final series against TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Philippine Cup at 3:45 pm today, November 22, at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF ) Sports and Cultural Center in Ángeles, Pampanga.
Carey in Game 2 of the Philippine Cup semifinals on November 20, 2020 at the AUF Sports and Cultural
Center. PHOTO BY PBA MEDIA OFFICE
Phoenix is coming off a 110-103 victory in Game 2 against Tropang Giga last Friday, courtesy of Calvin Abueva’s 20 points and 15 rebounds.
Phoenix mentor Topex Robinson said the win was a boost to morale after a frustrating 92-95 loss to TNT in Game 1.
“TNT has been a little problem in front of us, so that we can get to the final and one way or another we have to face the problem,” Robinson said, adding: “We just have to do our best. There’s no guarantee of winning, but as long as we know in our hearts that we did our best, that’s it. “
Phoenix proved they can challenge the TNT powerhouse even with the limited minutes of play of MVP contender and team leading scorer Matthew Wright, who missed most of Game 1 and 2 due to a sprained right ankle.
“Hopefully we can get through Game 3. But again, we have to remind ourselves that we should always be hungry and always make sure we are grounded, and it will take all of us to see a team like TNT again,” said Robinson .
Wright suffered the injury early in Game 1 and played just over 15 minutes in Game 2. The Fuel Masters hope he makes a full recovery in time for the crucial Game 3.
TNT is pinning its hopes on Cebuano point guard Roger Pogoy, who struggled in Game 2, shooting just 5 of 15 shots from the field.
Guard Ray Parks Jr. had a career-high 41 points, but still not enough to save TNT.
In the other semi-final showdown, the Meralco Bolts-Barangay Geneva Gin Kings rivalry intensifies as the series is reduced to three more games. The Bolts tied the series at 1-all after a convincing Game 2 win 95-77.
Meralco attributed the victory to containment of the deadly Gin Kings guards Stanley Pringle and Scottie Thompson.
The Bolts will try to maintain their winning momentum in Game 3 with Chris Newsome, Reynel Hugnatan, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan and Baser Amer leading their assault on Geneva.
“We made some adjustments and the guys executed very well. We had a lot more balance in this game, with a lot of players scoring. That gave us a huge boost, ”said Meralco coach Norman Black.
The Gin Kings and Bolts will meet in the main game at 6:45 pm.
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