Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Phoenix coach Louie Alas rued the missed opportunity to move up the rankings following the Fuel Masters’ slim 90-92 loss to Meralco on Wednesday.
The defeat pulled the Fuel Masters down to seventh place and put them in a precarious position in the homestretch of the elimination phase of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
“Before the game, we already told the players that with a win, one foot will be inside the quarters, but one loss may bring us in the bottom of the standings,” he said.
Alas had targeted finishing in the middle of the pack, which could give Phoenix a much bigger chance to proceed deep into the playoffs than entering the quarterfinals with a twice-to-win disadvantage.
This loss, however, may have dashed those hopes.
“With this defeat, my aim to finish three to six-spots is no longer on our hands. It looks like we don’t have control of our situation because there are teams above us who have also beaten us. If there will be any ties, we will fall at the seventh or eighth spots,” he remarked.
Alas, though, is still keeping his hopes up as the Fuel Masters eye a sweep in their remaining games against Blackwater and GlobalPort.
“We still have a chance. We still have control on our fortunes,” he said. “All we can control is to win so that we can get to the quarters.”