SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — The opportunity to book a coveted top four spot and a twice-to-beat advantage for the looming 2020 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals is just too hard to pass up for Phoenix Super LPG.
And that was more than enough motivation for the Fuel Masters when they took on the also-ran yet upset-conscious Blackwater, Monday afternoon at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center, powered by SMART 5G.
Phoenix trailed for most of the game and even fell down by as many as 16. But it fought back in the second half, thanks to usual suspects Calvin Abueva, Matthew Wright, Jason Perkins, and Justin Chua.
The forward nicknamed ‘The Beast’ sparked the spirited comeback. And he eventually finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in 33 minutes as the Fuel Masters took the 100-95 victory.
“Actually kami magdi-dictate kung saan kami mapupunta, at ayaw namin sayangin ‘tong pagkakataon na ‘to na mapunta kami sa Top Four. Tsaka talagang ito, binuhos namin,” Abueva said.
Phoenix improved to 7-3, joining Ginebra and TNT as the only teams assured of a quarters trip. There remains a four-way tie for fourth among San Miguel, Meralco, Alaska, and Magnolia — all carrying 6-4 cards.
Even with the elimination round down to its last three days — including Monday the top-four picture remains unclear. All eight ball clubs could yet end up with identical 7-4 records.
So for Abueva and Phoenix, they are looking to give it their all once more on Wednesday versus current eighth-placer Rain or Shine. And they remain focused on their aim to be among the best four teams entering the playoffs.
“Hindi lang buhos dito sa [second to the last] game. ‘Yung last game pa namin against Rain or Shine kailangan pa namin ibuhos lahat,” said the eight-year pro, now in his third season with the young franchise.
“Kailangan naming lumaban kasi [kaming team lang] dito eh, wala kaming kasama. Kailangan namin pumukpok dito. At tsaka itong team na ‘to, hanggang dulo makikipagsabayan ‘to sa malalakas.”
