Mamuyac expects tough outing as he faces former squad

Gian Mamuyac (with ball) continues spreading his wings with Phoenix. —PBA IMAGES

Gian Mamuyac might consider the move to Phoenix a fresh start, but he will quickly get to face his former team in only his second game in a Fuel Masters uniform.

Mamuyac and the Fuel Masters aim to extend their unbeaten start to four games on Tuesday against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who already may have something planned for their ex-skipper.

“Beau [Belga] was asking if he could play, even for just three minutes, when Mamu’s on the floor,” Guiao said, suggesting that the Elasto Painters is going to give Mamuyac the business in their 7:30 p.m. matchup on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Of course, Guiao said it in jest, but the expectation is that either side won’t give an inch, given what’s at stake.

Rain or Shine can’t afford going down to a 0-3 start while Phoenix is eager to get as many wins as possible to keep its form going.

“I expect them to go hard,” Mamuyac said. “But that’s how it is when you play against Rain or Shine. So I expect nothing less. Of course, we’re competitors. Once the ball is up, we’re competitors. But off the court, we’re really close.”

Mamuyac put together six points and three rebounds in 18 minutes of Phoenix’s 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday. Still, it was import BJ Johnson and Ricci Rivero who led the charge in the team’s latest victory.

But the Fuel Masters almost saw victory slip away from their hands when the Gin Kings cut into the deficit behind import Riley Grigsby, who scored 42 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in his debut.

For coach Tim Cone, there’s no doubt that Grigsby made a good account of himself in his role as either a temporary replacement for Justin Brownlee, who is under the mend with a hamstring injury, or Brownlee’s future successor.

“42 points, 13 rebounds. Kinda obvious isn’t it?” Cone said of his short assessment of Grisgby’s performance.

Cone had reasons to be touchy and give little details, given that Ginebra fell flat right in its first game since winning the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

Scottie Thompson didn’t see action due to an injury while Cone and some of the Gin Kings had little time preparing due to commitments with Gilas Pilipinas.

“It was a frustrating night, and bottom line is we didn’t play well,” Cone said. INQ