PBA: Phoenix guard Tyler Tio has a fan in Ginebra coach Tim Cone

Phoenix guard Tyler Tio goes for a layup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix guard Tyler Tio didn’t play in the Fuel Masters’ 102-92 loss to Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Yet, he still earned some high praises from Gin Kings coach Tim Cone after the game that saw Phoenix fell to a 0-2 record.

“I’ll tell you one thing. It really helped us out that Tyler Tio didn’t play today,” said Cone. “They’re a different team without Tyler. He keeps everything under control, they don’t panic when things start going bad, he keeps them all moving forward. I think that’s a big advantage throughout the whole game.”

READ: Ginebra banks on strong third to dispatch Phoenix

Tio, the Ateneo product, sat out Sunday’s game due to an ankle sprain.

Tio suffered hurt his ankle at the 5:03 mark of the fourth quarter in Phoenix’s loss to NorthPort on Friday.

Before the injury, Tio recorded 19 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes of play.

READ: Phoenix to measure itself minus prolific import, says Tyler Tio

“Especially when we made that run to get that lead, I think Tyler would’ve made a difference there if he’d been in the game. I’m a big fan of Tyler Tio,” said Cone.

There’s currently no timetable for Tio’s recovery but the Fuel Masters certainly hope to have him back in time for their game against Terrafirma on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.