No early vacation for the Fuel Masters
Phoenix head coach Louie Alas breathed a huge sigh of relief Friday evening, as his Phoenix Fuel Masters kept their playoff hopes floating above water following their huge win over the playoff-bound GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Phoenix’s status now depends on the outcome of the Barangay Ginebra-Rain or Shine clash playing as of press time, if they will have to go through a playoff for the final spot on Sunday against TNT or head straight into the quarterfinals.
“It’s a hard wait [of what will happen next for us],” said Alas after their 104-100 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “But still, at least we have another day to live.
“Sarado pa naman Boracay ngayon, wala pa kaming pagbabakasyunan.”
But even if Phoenix is on a high right now, Alas still rued some flaws of their game, particularly in closing out games. They had already led by 31 in the third canto only to let it melt down and allow GlobalPort to knock within four, 102-98.
“Good thing we had a huge lead because we don’t know how to finish until now,” said Alas. “We have to learn from it. ‘Di kami matuto-tuto. This is the fourth time, fifth time. Kung ‘di malaki lead namin, baka andun kami sa [dehadong] side.”
But then, the match is already over, and what truly matters most is that they got the much-needed win. Now, Alas and the Fuel Masters are keen on seeking help from the heavens above for their status in the coming days.
“Yung prayers namin, against millions na nagpepray kasi Ginebra gusto nila eh. Palakasan nalang ng dasal,” he said.
