PBA: Tyler Tio says composure will be key to Phoenix playoff push

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Tyler Tio during the PBA Philippine Cup game against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—At the halfway point of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round, Tyler Tio is staying calm and composed— and encouraging his Phoenix teammates to do the same.

Despite a 2-5 record that has sent Fuel Masters careening to the bottom half of the standings, Tio said the team isn’t pressing the panic button just yet.

“I wouldn’t say there’s panic. In these times, you need to stay composed and figure out what you need to do better. If we panic, we’re done,” said Tio with Inquirer Sports on Friday night at Philsports Arena.

READ: PBA: Barangay Ginebra turns back Phoenix for its first streak

“We trust our coaching staff. They’ve done a great job for us with scouting and preparing us and it’s up to us players now to respond.”

Tio played true to his role as floor general for the Fuel Masters with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists, but his efforts weren’t enough  as Ginebra took the commanding 119-112 victory.

The final score doesn’t truly tell the whole story, though.

READ: PBA: Tyler Tio ‘rusty’ but glad to be back for Phoenix

At one point, the Gin Kings led by as much as 22 points, only for their advantage to be erased by the Fuel Masters in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.

“We don’t stop playing.  That’s something I’m so proud of in this team but we don’t want any consolation wins. We still lost the game,” said Tio.

“At the end of the day we just need to get better and stay together,” he added.

The Fuel Masters, despite their second straight loss, have some breathing room to work with as the ninth seed–surprisingly just half a game behind none other than the defending champion, Meralco, which has a 3-5 card.

Phoenix hopes to leapfrog over the Bolts in the playoff race on Wednesday next week, when the Fuel Masters take on Rain or Shine at the same venue.