SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — In it for the long haul.
That was the mindset of Topex Robinson after deciding to not let Matthew Wright back into Phoenix Super LPG’s Game One semis clash with TNT, Wednesday evening.
“Matt asked me for my opinion, and I told him that we won’t take a gamble on him,” Robinson told Tiebreaker Times.
Wright sprained his right ankle after landing on Troy Rosario’s foot six minutes into the game.
Despite not having Wright — and with Calvin Abueva saddled with fouls — the Fuel Masters still kept close with the Tropang Giga.
Yes, even while missing Wright’s 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, they kept toe-to-toe with the firepower of TNT.
However, Jayson Castro proved to be too much in the endgame, lifting TNT to a thin 95-92 win.
“He really wanted to play,” continued Robinson.
Phoenix, though, is not worrying whether Wright will be available on Friday.
“He will be available next game.”