Phoenix Super LPG played with an added push in its do-or-die duel versus Meralco in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, Sunday.
Team owner Dennis Uy sat courtside at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to watch his Fuel Masters live in their most important game of the season.
And his wards didn’t disappoint as they overcame the Bolts by way of an 88-84 decision.
“He even talked before the game. We were inspired to play for him,” head coach Jamike Jarin told Tiebreaker Times moments after the match.
The victory enabled the Fuel Masters to clinch the remaining semifinal ticket, making sure that an independent ball club is in the Final Four.
Jarin should feel even more proud since his Phoenix is also the last non-conglomerate team to reach the semis. It did so back in the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble, where the team went a win away from the Finals.
And it should be a huge relief for the business magnate, too, given the controversies he got embroiled in over the past few years.
There had even been rumors of the Phoenix franchise being sold not so long ago, but the team tuned it all out and focused on basketball. Now, they’re about to compete in an import-laced conference semis for the first time.
Uy was beaming with pride post-game, so much so that he vowed to give his Fuel Masters won-game bonuses – times three.
Still, the job isn’t finished for the rest of the squad as they now gear up for the top-seeded Magnolia in a best-of-five semis series beginning on Wednesday, January 24 at 4:00 PM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But of course, they’ll be bringing with them the words of encouragement Uy gave in their huddle.
“We are excited to play for him,” Jarin said.
