RJ JAZUL has finally broken out of a slump, helping Phoenix Pulse make it back-to-back wins with a big victory over Alaska.
Jazul had 18 points on 5 of 7 shooting from threes as the Fuel Masters defeated the Aces, 94-80, on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Prior to the game, Jazul was only shooting 26 percent from three-point range and was averaging 6.25 per outing.
“Siguro timing lang din. Ilang games na rin akong struggling,” said Jazul. “Start ng last conference pa, medyo masama laro ko. Ngayon, nagpipick up lang.
Jazul also drew motivation from their eagerness to win one for head coach Louie Alas, who finally picked up a win against the team he once was their assistant coach.
“Na-timing lang na Alaska pa. May motivation kami for coach Louie. It’s his first time to beat Alaska,” said Jazul.
Thanks to Jazul’s efforts, the Fuel Masters have won back-to-back games and are now at 7-1, sharing the lead with Rain or Shine on top of the standings.
“Siguro, we embraced the system,” Jazul said, when asked what has changed for the Fuel Masters this conference. “Defensive team na kami ngayon. ‘Yun ang laging sinasabi ni coach. Dapat we will have our own identity as a defensive team. We play good defense, tapos nako-convert namin sa offense namin. Maganda na rin chemistry namin.”
It is also a big boost for the Fuel Masters, who are set to take on Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel.
For Jazul, the last three matches will be a test for Phoenix Pulse.
“May kasabihan, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Kumbaga maganda rin for us. It’s either we will break or make. Going to the playoffs na kami. Kapag maganda ‘yung end namin, we will carry it to the playoffs. For me, ‘yun ‘yung test namin sa mga elite teams,” said Jazul.
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