Head coach Louie Alas’ initial instruction to his Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters before facing the reigning four-time PBA Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte was simple: just compete.
“The initial plan was just to compete. Just stay close, so that you will give yourself a chance to win,” he said.
“One-possession, two-possession will be okay with me in the last two minutes, because you’re giving yourself a chance to win.”
And his charges responded perfectly.
Though they failed to protect the 14-point lead they built in the early in the match, the Fuel Masters showed excellent poise down the stretch. They stunned the dreaded Beermen, 96-93, much to the surprise of the Davaoeños in attendance.
“We did that.”
It isn’t just the fact that they brought down a powerhouse, though, that has Phoenix satisfied with the win. Saturday’s victory also means the Fuel Masters clinch the top spot and a twice-to-beat edge for the playoffs.
For Alas, all their efforts paid off, such as arriving to Panabo City two days prior to the tiff to acclimatize themselves.
“I have to commend the guys because Thursday pa kami rito just to acclimatize. Kasi sabi nga sa’min ni boss – taga-dito yung big boss namin – he told us mainit na mainit daw sa Davao, so good thing for us,” he said.
And for Alas, being used to Davao’s hot weather was an advantage for the Fuel Masters, especially in limiting San Miguel’s dreaded three-point shooting. The Beermen shot just 8-of-39 from beyond the arc.
“Medyo napagod yung San Miguel kanina kasi yung legs nila medyo nawawala. [Kaya noong] nagti-three points sila – which is their number one weapon – nababa namin yung three-point field goal average nila,” said Alas.
Now, Alas and Phoenix will have a long break before the playoffs, which begin the first week of April. And all eyes will be on them come playoff time to see if their layoff will be an advantage or a weakness.
