Fuel Masters stake clean mark vs Elite

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Pulse tries to stretch its best start ever versus a Blackwater side that has started to show character as the Fuel Masters and the Elite square off in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo tonight.

The Fuel Masters go for win No. 4 in their 4:30 p.m. tussle with the Elite, who for their part, seek a follow-up to their 111-99 triumph over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Wednesday.

The E-Painters and the San Miguel Beermen clash in the other game at 7 p.m., with both sides out to bounce back from a loss.

“Interesting game,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas of their match with the Elite who have shown marked improvement in their last game.

Alas was actually impressed even on Blackwater’s 94-99 loss to Meralco before finally breaking into the win-column with the win over ROS.

“They were super balanced in their last two games. Six guys scored in double figures in their loss to Meralco. They’re tough to play on a defensive standpoint,” said Alas.

Blackwater coach Bong Ramos himself was satisfied in their showing in their last two games.

“Walang character ang team in our first game (against NorthPort). In the second game, we already showed character although we lost the game. We had an achievement in that loss that we feel can help us in the long run,” said Ramos.

“Against Rain or Shine, we were well prepared with a good scouting. The players were ready and they were able to execute our defensive game plan. Nade-develop ang character and hopefully dumerecho,” Ramos added.

But they are up for a tough fight against the Fuel Masters who are on a three-game romp on brilliant games of Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva, Alex Mallari, Jason Perkins and Justin Chua.

Meanwhile, the Elite are obviously still adjusting on the exit of two key players in Poy Erram and Nards Pinto.

The Beermen themselves brace for acid test against the E-Painters who are coming off a first loss after back-to-back wins over NLEX and Barangay Ginebra.

Coach Leo Austria and his troops are off to a scrambling 2-2 start in the tourney minus Alex Cabagnot and new trade recruit Terrence Romeo.

“Ang hirap nung nasa bench ka lang, wala kang magawa at maitulong,” said Cabagnot on their 93-104 drubbing by the KaTropa Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. “But I’m returning soon. Hopefully, I could be of help.”

Romeo could finally be back in harness against the E-Painters. The former two-time PBA scoring champ had his initial outing as a Beerman cut short by an ankle sprain in their 118-124 upset by the Dyip.

But even sans Cabagnot and Romeo, the Beermen are the odds on pick versus James Yap and his teammates.