ANTIPOLO CITY – Louie Alas singled out that stretch in the third quarter of Phoenix’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against TnT Katropa where the outcome was practically decided.
“Lumabas yung immaturity namin for five minutes. Yung five minutes na yun, siguro mga limang three-pointers yung na give up namin,” he said on his way out of the Ynares Center here shortly after the Fuel Masters lost to the Katropa, 106-98, during the Petron Saturday Special.
Alas lamented how his team dearly paid the price by playing along the tempo of the Katropa. And the result was obviously a disaster.
“Na-carried away,” he said of the big mistake committed by the Fuel Masters.
Phoenix was within striking distance early in the third period, 59-55, when suddenly it lost its discipline and tried to play TnT in its own game.
As the Fuel Masters fell into trap, Troy Rosario, Terrence Romeo, Ryan Reyes and even Frank Golla made their move and drained a three-pointer each to help the Texters peel off from a tight game.
By the time TnT applied the brakes, it already stretched its lead to 75-62, which later ballooned to its biggest at 81-62.
It was 83-67 TnT entering the fourth quarter.
“When we got our bearings again, malayo na,” said Alas, whose team never got closer at eight points.
Import James White finished with a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Jason Perkins and Matthew Wright were the only Phoenix locals in double figures with 12 points each.
The Fuel Masters fell at an even 1-1 card, although Alas was satisfied with how the team made an effort to make the game close in the end.
“We finish it well para dala namin sa next game,” he said of the team’s coming outing against debuting Magnolia on May 6.
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