RJ JAZUL played a pivotal role for Phoenix Super LPG in the Game Three of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, during the actual match and even in the lead-up.
Jazul poured 17 points, 14 in the second half where the Fuel Masters completed their comeback from 21 points down to defeat Magnolia, 103-85, in Game Three.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin said Jazul provided motivational words after the Fuel Masters lost in Game Two that sent them one loss away from being ousted in the conference.
Jarin mentioned that Jazul's drive stemmed from Phoenix's prior experience in a do-or-die situation during the quarterfinals against Meralco. Phoenix, compelled to play a knockout game, emerged victorious, securing their passage to the semifinals..
“After we lost to Game Two, Captain RJ Jazul mentioned that,” said Jarin, referring to the quarterfinal knockout game against Meralco. “We are in a do-or-die. We experienced it already. We will be ready for Game Three.”
Jarin said the 37-year-old Jazul is just what the young team needs in their playoff run where all but three players, Jazul included, were not part of the Fuel Masters team that reached the semifinals in the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble.
“You have to be happy and proud of RJ, who has been mentoring a lot of young men. He is just an inspiration. And I’m telling you, Captain RJ Jazul will be a very, very, very good coach someday. (But) not now, he is still one of the players,” said Jazul.
Jazul was clutch for Phoenix in its fightback from a 40-19 deficit, nailing four of his five threes in the second half where the Fuel Masters outscored the Hotshots, 65-34.
“We don’t want to go home. Do-or-die na kasi, sabi ni coach,” said Jazul.
Jazul redirected the acknowledgment for the victory, emphasizing that it was a collective team effort—a shared mindset they must maintain in Game Four.
“Leadership ni coach at hindi kami nag-give up,” said Jazul. “Down in the semis (by 21), that’s a lot. Basta one stop at a time hanggang makuha namin ‘yung rhythm namin.”
“We will do it together. Hindi lang kay J3. Hindi lang kay Jason. We are here together. Everyone is important. Hindi isang tao. Hindi lima. We now that we are capable of playing big. With this game, actually dapat last two games pa, sa amin na dapat ‘yun. Pero at least, we got this one,” said Jazul.
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