Games Thursday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:30 p.m. – Terrafirma vs NLEX

6:45 p.m. – NorthPort vs Magnolia

Slowly but surely, Phoenix Super LPG is building a winning run that bolstered its chances in the playoffs of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.

The Fuel Masters caught a big break when it clobbered import-less Rain or Shine, 114-106, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But winning their third straight game – the longest under coach Jamike Jarin – didn't come easy for the Fuel Masters, who had to repulse the repeated uprising from a game Elasto Painters side.

The Elasto Painters, who trailed by as many as 23 points, came to within four points on a getaway move by Rey Nambatac, 106-110, with still 36.7 seconds left in the game.

But the Fuel Masters responded at the other end with a short stab from import Du'Vaughn Maxwell before the Elasto Painters turned the ball over that practically doomed their chances.

The Fuel Masters improved their win-loss record to 4-5, strengthening their hold of the eighth and final spot in the playoffs.

"It feels good, but we don't look good because we're still not yet in the .500 win-loss mark," said Jarin, who replaced Topex Robinson as head coach prior the start of the season.

"The next game is going to be an important game and our game on Friday is going to be very crucial for us. As soon as we leave the locker room, we're going to prepare hard for that."

Encho Serrano and RR Garcia spearheaded the well-balanced attack while Jason Perkins and Maxwell chipped in significant numbers for the Fuel Masters, who are looking to improve their ranking heading into the playoffs.