Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas gave credit to his coaching staff for a job well done in their 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup encounter with defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Friday evening.
The fiery bench strategist failed to finish the match, as he was ejected with 8:54 remaining in the final frame for incurring his second technical foul of the night. He left Topex Robinson to lead his staff and take the coaching reins.
The Fuel Masters won, 111-103, to post their second straight win – their first winning streak – this conference. This also hiked their win-loss record to 4-4.
“I have to give credit to my coaching staff. I know na talaga naman, kaya ko nga sila kasama diyan,” gushed Alas.
“At kaya siya hindi assistant coach ang title – associate head coach yan eh, si Coach Topex tsaka mga staff namin, so credit to them.”
Meanwhile, Robinson gave credit for their stunning victory not just to the assistant coaches who took over, but also to the collective effort of the whole team.
“It happened that I’m next in line, but most of the things that were done were the other coaches. Even the players coached themselves during that time,” said Robinson, who took over when Alas was suspended for two games.
“We just stayed together, and we’re blessed to get this victory,” added the Lyceum Pirates head coach, who has now tasted a win while at the helm, as he lost both games when he pinch-hit for the seasoned mentor.
Alas revealed that the technical foul he incurred was a part of his plan to ignite the fire within Phoenix. He felt his team weren’t responding, since they lost the 11-point lead they built through a 45-point explosion in the third.
“We’re down by fourteen during the first half. Then third quarter, we bounced back and led by eleven. Then suddenly nagra-rally ulit Ginebra,” Alas said.
“Tingin ko parang blanko na sila sa akin, and that’s the best time na ma-technical ako to fire them up.”
That technical was actually for his complains with the referees. But Alas said he had no issues with officiating.
“Okay naman yung officiating kanina, honestly. I’m not joking,” Alas confessed. “Talaga lang kinakailangan muna magpalit muna ng coach kanina.
“And as I’ve said coach Topex and the coaching staff are capable, so credit to them.”
