Phoenix, Blackwater seek to extend streaks

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix and Blackwater are having a ball early in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

Who wouldn’t when you’re enjoying pole positions with spotless cards through two weeks of hostilities in Group B, ahead of more fancied rivals Meralco, Ginebra, Magnolia and Rain or Shine?

With their takedown of the Gin Kings (81-78) that followed earlier upsets over the Hotshots (98-86) and the Bolts (98-97), the Fuel Masters are off to their first-ever 3-0 start in a conference with imports.

This also marks their best opening salvo since winning their first five matches in the 2019 Philippine Cup, a campaign that saw them reach the semifinals.

“Sobrang sarap ng feeling. Minsan lang kami nakapag-ganito, never pa talaga yung 3-0. So why not make the most out of it and try to go for more, if kaya?” said Phoenix star Ricci Rivero.

“We’re just happy to be racking up the wins while we can and hopefully find a way to sneak into the playoffs,” said coach Charles Tiu.

The Bossing are on mission to shed their doormat tag and transform into contenders. To show they’re serious, they claimed the scalps of two heavyweights – Rain or Shine (131-108) and Magnolia (89-81).

“I think it’s about time that you take a look at Blackwater. That’s our motto right now,” said Bossing mentor Pat Aquino.

Phoenix and Blackwater try to extend their respective runs in today’s swing at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

The Fuel Masters go for 4-0 at 7:30 p.m. against an Elasto Painters’ crew raring to snap out of their funk following their numbing losses to the Bossing and the Bolts (114-122). The Bossing seek to make it three in a row versus a Meralco squad (1-1) looking for back-to-back Ws at 5:15 p.m.