Phoenix had one of the best starts in the PBA Governors’ Cup, going a 2-0 card and beating opponents by an average of 23.5 points.
But that was until Fuel Masters faced their first real test of the conference in Alaska.
The Aces doused Phoenix’ flames, 108-97, on Wednesday and head coach Louie Alas believes it was his team’s immaturity that ultimately foiled them.
“When the chips are down, guys start to force the shots and we’re thrown off our game,” said Alas in Filipino. “I have to say immaturity because we won’t always have games that we’re leading until the end. You have to know how to play while catching up.”
Phoenix was able to establish its early dominance, putting up a 45-34 lead in the middle part of the second quarter and held on to the lead until the latter part of the third, 74-71.
Alaska would erase that margin in the remainder of the third quarter with 12-4 run to head to the fourth with an 83-78 lead and the Aces never looked back.
“When the fourth quarter happened, and Alaska took the lead my players were all too eager to get back,” said Alas. “We were out of our game, I used up all my timeouts in the last eight minutes of the game.”
Alas said they will have to regain their bearings in their next game against TNT on Friday.
“We just have to bounce back because we have 19 days off after our game against TNT,” said Alas. “I know we’re all tired but there are things that are beyond our control so we just have to bounce back, as simple as that.”