Phoenix goes for share of 4th; NLEX fights for life
PBA IMAGES
Phoenix Petroleum takes on back-to-the-wall NLEX as the Fuel Masters try to go above the .500 mark again and stick close with the frontrunners heading into the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup
eliminations at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday.
The Fuel Masters seek a share of fourth place with the Blackwater Elite while the Road Warriors fight for life as they clash at 4:15 p.m.
Heading to the match, coach Ariel Vanguardia and his troops are in a heavy five-way logjam at fifth place with elite teams Alaska, Barangay Ginebra, Star and TNT KaTropa, having dropped their last game against
Rain or Shine.
Vanguardia rued engaging the E-Painters in a shootout instead of dragging them in a defensive battle.
And they could well be in for another tough battle as they play an NLEX squad that will be fighting for survival.
After their 82-97 loss to the E-Painters, Vanguardia challenged his players.
“Hindi pwedeng paisa-isa lang ang magde-deliver sa amin. We need consistency. We need to fire an all cylinders if we’re to compete with loaded teams,” said Vanguardia.
The Fuel Masters have been on an up-and-down ride, winning over San Miguel Beer, Mahindra, Meralco and Globalport and losing to Blackwater, Star, TNT and ROS.
They must really be more consistent if they’re to stay in the Top Eight which is the cut for the playoff round.
At 2-6, the Road Warriors have a lot of catching up to do if they’re to salvage a quarters spot.
They stopped their bleeding versus the Texters on Jan. 7 in a road game in Angeles City then dropped another game against the Batang Pier last Friday.
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