For Phoenix Pulse head coach Louie Alas, the Fuel Masters’ close 87-85 defeat to the also-ran NLEX Road Warriors in 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup action Friday evening was again another question of maturity.
The Fuel Masters managed to claw their way back from a 20-point third quarter deficit and even knocked to within one, 86-85, with 6.2 ticks left, but a Jericho Cruz split and Matthew Wright’s missed three-pointer dashed their hopes.
Friday’s loss marked Phoenix’s third straight — definitely not a good way to end their elimination round campaign.
“Tough loss. Several chances, three games.
“Lahat ng talo namin parang replay, puro transition points off turnover, transition points off poor shots. Then when we got our bearings, nakakabalik. Question of maturity again,” Alas said.
But what makes the loss even more stinging for the Fuel Masters is that it sent their playoff chances slimmer.
Phoenix finished the eliminations with a 4-7 win-loss record. And given such, they should now hope for either the Alaska Aces or the San Miguel Beermen — who carry 4-6 and 4-5 cards, respectively — to drop their remaining assignments.
The Beermen — who are in the midst of a two-game winning streak — still have the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5-5) and the Meralco Bolts (3-7) left in their calendar. The Aces, on the other hand, only have the Blackwater Elite (6-4).
Alas is aware that their playoff hopes aren’t entirely in their hands anymore. With that, they will rely on prayers.
“We have to do lots of prayers. It is what it is, wala na tayo magagawa dun,” said the outspoken bench strategist.
