Intal gives Phoenix lift off the bench

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ANTIPOLO—Phoenix’s biggest contributor during its upset of defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer wasn’t even part of the starting five.

Fuel Masters head coach Ariel Vanguardia had JC Intal come off the bench and the move did wonders for Phoenix. 

Intal had a limited yet quality, 24-minute playing time and still led all scorers with 22 points.

“I respect his decision, I trust his decision to have me come off the bench,” said Intal as the Fuel Masters improved to 1-1. “Wala namang problema sa akin yun (That’s not a problem for me).”

Vanguardia said having his star veteran come off the bench was born out of San Miguel’s own strategy.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria relies heavily on his starters and plays his substitutes sparingly, and Vanguardia used that to have Intal play against the Beermen’s bench.

“We want him to be fresh coming off the bench since San Miguel usually plays eight or nine players,” said Vanguardia. 

Intal had to share minutes with rookie Matthew Wright, who played 31 minutes and had 14 points, and the newcomer has the veteran’s full support.

“Maganda naman nilaro ni Matthew Wright na ka-position ko, so kung sino mag start suportahan ko (Matthew Wright had a great game, he has the same position as I, and whoever starts will have my support),” said Intal, who plays as a small forward.