Phoenix guns for QF

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Pulse tries to formalize its playoff entry while Alaska Milk seeks to sustain the momentum of its own surge as they clash in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City tonight.

Columbian Dyip, which has snapped a three-game losing skein, and Blackwater, aching to check its own slump, clash in the 4:30 p.m. curtain-raiser before Phoenix and Alaska square off at 7 p.m.

The Fuel Masters have put one foot into the playoffs and are in strong contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with a 6-1 win-loss card.

They nailed win No. 6 on a 98-96 decision over the NorthPort Batang Pier Wednesday aided by a controversial call in the closing seconds.

Upon review of the video, the PBA technical group came to a conclusion, admitting that the offensive foul called by referee Noy Guevarra against Northport’s Sean Anthony, during the last 47.8 seconds of the fourth quarter of the game, was a wrong call.

Anthony made a three-point play that was nullified because of the blunder.

“It was an unfortunate mistake by the referee in calling the offensive foul and we regret the wrong call made,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, who handed the erring ref an indefinite suspension.

“Pahirapan yung panalo namin. Pero mas mahirap yung susunod,” said Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas, anticipating a tougher match with the Alaska Aces who come into the battle from back-to-back wins.

The Aces are among the front-runners with a 2-1 card, starting strong in the tournament despite a badly crippled lineup minus a number of key players including top gun Vic Manuel.