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For the second year in a row, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters will finish in the top two by concluding eliminations from the Philippine Cup.
According to new head coach Topex Robinson, his 8-3 record was a byproduct of what the team had worked on since the start of the PBA bubble, a close 90-88 victory against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Wednesday night at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
“We know this is going to be a big challenge for us, if the teams don’t want to accept it, we will either accept it or fight for it. Whoever we face down the stretch, we will make sure that we are going to do our best.” Robinson said at the exit press conference.
His team resisted a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter and a seven-point deficit, 82-75, with 3:53 to play. The Fuel Masters responded with a 13-3 streak to go ahead, 86-85, on the team’s third serve, a setback by Jason Perkins after failures by Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright.
Rain or Shine had a chance to move on, but James Yap missed a triple that would have put them ahead. The ball last touched an Elasto Painter, leading to a quick basket by Calvin Abueva to increase the lead to three, 88-85, with 12.6 left.
Guard Rey Nambatac, who proved he had a penchant for making decisive shots, did not deliver this time, allowing Phoenix forward Justin Chua to secure the rebound and make safe free throws with approximately 4 seconds to go.
Nambatac then drilled a pull-up triple just as time expired to alter the final results.
The first half, for the most part, was a close affair, but Phoenix was able to go ahead 9, 42-33, after a float from Abueva. His team led by four, 46-42, behind Chua’s 16 points.
In the third, the Elasto Painters’ offense skyrocketed, with the team taking a 58-51 lead, culminating a 10-0 run. They led up to 11.66-55 in the quarter, and took a 66-59 course into the pay period.
“I think we’re all stuck in the moment. We don’t know when you’ll be able to play basketball again. Life is short. So while we play, we’re really focused on the moment and just here and now,” said Perkins, who finished with 30 points. and 8 rebounds.
Chua, who struggled with fouls for most of the game, managed to forge 21 scoreboards and 10 boards.
The defeat of Rain or Shine was completely devastating, as a finish in the top four with a lead of twice the lead would have been secured had they won by four points. Instead, they sank to eighth place.
Javee Mocon and Jewel Ponferrada contributed 13 each for coach Caloy Garcia’s team.
Now ready to face Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals, Robinson is grateful that the team was able to achieve this milestone.
“Whatever the outcome, we know that Magnolia is a strong team, we just want to make sure that when we come out of this bubble, we know that we did our best. Wherever it takes us, we will always be grateful for the opportunity because of our experience. in the bubble it will take us ”, said the neophyte strategist of the PBA.
THE SCORES
Phoenix (90) – Perkins 30, Chua 21, Wright 11, Abueva 7, Jazul 6, Intal 5, Heruela 3, García 3, Napoles 2, Ríos 2, Gamboa 0, Reyes 0, Marcelo 0, Mallari 0.
ROS (88) – Ponferada 13, Mocon 13, Belga 12, Yap 8, Nambatac 7, Torres 7, Onwubere 6, Doliguez 6, Arana 6, Borboran 4, Norwood 2, Rivero 2, Rosales 2, Wong 0, Tolentino 0 .
Quarter Scores: 21-24, 46-42, 59-66, 90-88
EXTRA JARS
– James Yap (1,172) edged Ronnie Magsanoc (1,171) for third place on the all-time 3-point list. He made the achievement at the 10:58 mark of the third quarter.
– The quarterfinals are scheduled to begin on Friday afternoon. These are the matches: (1) Geneva vs. (8) Rain or shine; (4) San Miguel vs. (5) Meralco; (2) Phoenix vs. (7) Magnolia and; (3) TNT vs. (6) Alaska.
