Phoenix, RoS eye early QF entry
Credit to Author: JOSEF T. RAMOS, TMT| Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2019 16:31:32 +0000
Undefeated Phoenix and red-hot Rain or Shine are both aiming for an early quarterfinal entry when they clash at 4:30 p.m. today in Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters shoot for their sixth consecutive win after surviving Northern Luzon Expressway, 83-82, in the endgame on Friday.
Phoenix coach Louie Alas is expecting a deadlier and wiser Rain or Shine that beat Northport, 107-100, on Friday.
PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO
“It is going to be tighter. Rain or Shine has already beat half of the heavyweights in this conference so it is a major concern for us,” said Alas.
JC Intal is out for a second straight game because of a fractured left hand, which is estimated to heal in six weeks.
“We have to make sure not to forget our identity, which is defense. We’re winning because of our defense,” added Alas.
Matthew Wright posted 17 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals in Phoenix’s hard-earned win over NLEX.
Rain or Shine, currently No. 2 with 5-1 win-loss record, wants a share of the top spot with Phoenix.
“We know every game is important. At least if we pull off a win against Phoenix, we’ll be ahead by half a game or take the lead but we do not know who will step up among them,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
James Yap and Beau Belga are expected to deliver anew for Rain or Shine.
“We have to trust each other and prepare. We just have to watch out for their defense. It’s going to be a tough game. Whoever has a deeper bench will win,” he added.
In the 6:45 p.m. game, defending champion San Miguel Beer (4-3 win-loss record) aims for back-to-back wins when it faces Magnolia (0-1).
The Beermen are coming off a 93-79 win over Blackwater behind June Mar Fajardo’s 20 points, 21 rebounds, five assists and four blocks performance.
The Hotshots, meanwhile, are keen to bounce back from their 75-80 loss to TNT KaTropa in their opening game.
The post Phoenix, RoS eye early QF entry appeared first on The Manila Times Online.