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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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20
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
20
2024
STAR may be down, but definitely not out in the PBA Governors Cup.
In fact, the Hotshots intend to go all out in their remaining eliminations assignments starting with an all-important duel against the Phoenix Fuel Masters Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We still have a shot at making the playoffs and we will keep on battling until we get that ticket or that door closes,” said coach Jason Webb, whose Star side is currently at 11th, no thanks to a four-game slide.
Phoenix is not in such as dire a situation, but also needs to win its four remaining elimination round assignments to assure passage into the eight-team quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations.
A second straight triumph and a fourth in five games would even give the Fuel Masters a shot at a top four slot and a twice-to-beat advantage that goes with it in the ensuing round.
Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia’s sights are trained on the task at hand, however.
“There’s nothing more dangerous than a team fighting for its life, more so a proud team like Star,” said Vanguardia.
“We have to be always on our toes, constantly challenge their scorers and be on point in defending their
import.”
Joel Wright has indeed been a gem of a find for Star with averages of almost 30 points and 17 rebounds in the three games he has played in since coming in as a replacement for Marqus Blakely.
But apart from Ryan Roose Garcia, PJ Simon and Mark Barroca, each averaging at least 10.3 points, and defensive stalwart Marc Pingris the other Hotshots have so far failed to consistently do their part.
Now comes a Phoenix crew that is on a high following their recovery from a 0-3 start and is set to get an additional boost with the return of JC Intal, sidelined before the season-ending tourney by bone spurs on his right ankle.
Even if Intal finds it hard to work himself back into the groove of PBA play the Fuel Masters can still bank on the explosive Eugene Phelps, Cyrus Baguio, Willy Wilson and Korean Gwan-Hee Lee to lead their attack.
Doing most of his damage from the shaded lanes, Phelps has been averaging 38.25 points and 20.25 rebounds and is coming off a 29-point, 26-rebound performance in a 95-91 overtime win over NLEX last Friday.
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