Phoenix seeks rise, lead

Banking on a thrilling first game win, Phoenix Petroleum shoots for its second straight against a depleted Northport squad to claim the solo lead in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup today at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The match fires off at 6:45 pm with the retooled Fuel Masters looking to ride on their narrow debut win over Columbian Dyip four days ago to remain unscathed early in the season-ending conference.

Alaska, meanwhile, also eyes for a second consecutive win against a struggling Talk ‘N Text in the first game slated at 4:30 pm.

Phoenix opened its campaign on Wednesday with a slim 113-107 victory over Dyip behind import Eugene Phelps and newly-acquired star forward Calvin Abueva.

A resident import for the Fuel Masters in the PBA, Phelps tallied 50 points – his career-third half-century mark in the league – to go along 17 rebounds and eight blocks for a near triple double effort while Abueva proved to be a thorn all over the court with an all-around outing of 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

However, head coach Louie Alas is not satisfied with that debut victory, especially on defense, as Phoenix still let Columbian score 107 points, including a 37-point third quarter eruption.

“Defensively, we don’t have the toughness yet. That’s something we should improve,” Alas said.

With Abueva’s arrival though, Alas expects the Fuel Masters to sharpen their defensive teeth to help them finally reach the playoffs under Alas’ tutelage.

“That’s why we traded for Calvin. We gave our all efforts to get him. He’s an extra body, an extra energy,” he added.

“After all, Calvin is Calvin. I just told him to be his self just like how he played back in Alaska.”