Phoenix, GlobalPort go for breakthrough win

THE soundness of Phoenix’s decision to bring in a new import would be known Sunday when it tangles with a GlobalPort crew also looking for a breathrough win in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Eugene Phelps, a well-traveled banger tapped to replace Marcus Simmons, makes his league debut and is raring to lead the Fuel Masters to their first win under new head coach Ariel Vanguardia.

Listed at 6-6 and 225 lbs and a seasoned campaigner in the leagues of Mexico, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Phelps should help make up for the continued absence of Willy Wilson (shoulder injury) while boosting Phoenix’s frontline.

“With Eugene joining us we can match up now with big imports like (Mike) Glover,” said Vanguardia, referring to Phelps’ counterpart in the Batang Pier camp.

Glover, who came in as replacement for Dominique Sutton, was impressive in his own debut against Star last Sunday, using a variety of post moves to notch 27 points on top of 12 rebounds and five assists in a 102-105 overtime loss.

For Vanguardia, however, the GlobalPort players to really watch out for are the prolific backcourt tandem of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.

“We’ve got to contain the league’s most explosive backcourt,” stressed Vanguardia. “We can’t let Romeo and Pringle control the game.”

Indeed, Romeo and Pringle have lived up to the billing by averaging a little over 42 points, seven rebounds and as many assists between them.

And should they and main relievers Joseph Yeo, Karl Dehesa and Jeric Fortuna connect from deep, as they usually do, then they should stretch the defense and help free up Glover to work inside.

That is why the work is cut out for the likes of Phoenix’s backcourt men in Simon Enciso, John Wilson, Cyrus Baguio, Josh Urbiztondo, Chico Lanete and Mark Cruz.

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