Phoenix nears playoffs

Phoenix’s Matthew Wright dribbles past the defense of Magnolia’s Justin Melton during their PBA Governors’ Cup match at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. —SHERWIN VARDELON

Louie Alas has a good memory, and he made sure that his Phoenix Fuel Masters remembered as well.

Using their previous loss to Magnolia as their motivating tool, the Fuel Masters got back hard on the Hotshots to win for the third straight time in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, moving them closer to a first playoff appearance under Alas’ watch.

“The last time we played them, we were up by 10 in the fourth quarter,” Alas said after a 95-82 win that had Phoenix rising to 5-1 overall, good for second spot behind the unbeaten Blackwater Elite. “And my players responded and played their best fourth quarter [of the tournament].”

Phoenix extended its franchise-best start and dealt the Hotshots their first loss in three games. Another win would more or less seal a first playoff appearance under Alas, who knows that that victory will be harder than the first five.

“We will be playing the tough teams, starting this Saturday against [defending champion Barangay] Ginebra,” Alas explained, referring to the game slated in Cagayan de Oro.

Ginebra got back on the winning track even without its twin towers, scoring a 110-102 decision of sister team San Miguel Beer in the nightcap.
The Gin Kings, coming off Friday’s 118-124 loss to the Elite, rose to 4-1 behind the Fuel Masters while the Beermen dropped to 2-2.

The 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and seven-foot Greg Slaughter are out with injuries, along with Sol Mercado.

Alas doesn’t think his Fuel Masters will be the favorites even with the Gin Kings hobbled by injuries.

“Coach Tim (Cone) can make any team play even with just seven healthy players,” Alas said.

Eugene Phelps scored 36 points, grabbed 20 rebounds and had four blocks in another dominant effort, with Matthew Wright chipping in 13 and Justin Chua dropping 12.