PHOENIX Super LPG coach Topex Robinson’s continued faith in RJ Jazul finally paid off in the form of a career-night on Thursday against no less than five-time defending champion San Miguel.
Jazul hit a career-best nine three-pointers on his way to 33 points as the Fuel Masters downed the Beermen, 110-103, for a pivotal victory that boosted their title credentials in the PBA Philippine Cup bubble.
Jazul was on fire with a 56.3 percent clip from rainbow country on a night where the Fuel Masters connected on a franchise-record 22 three pointers.
Robinson is aware that Jazul hasn’t had this kind of night in the past few games. Prior to the SMB contest, Jazul was only shooting 27 percent from threes (14 of 52).
Still, the Phoenix coach kept the faith.
“RJ Jazul finally took over because Matt (Wright) and Calvin (Abueva) were kinda guarded. It’s just nice that those guys are stepping up in this kind of games,” said Robinson.

Robinson knows Jazul very well, their relationship dating back to when he was an assistant coach at Alaska from 2012 to 2017.
“I just have to trust him and make him feel that you believe in him,” Robinson added. “He’s been working on his shot. The thing about me and RJ, we’ve been together way back since Alaska. He knows that I trust him with all my heart.
"He struggles a lot but I told him, if you are open, just keep taking that shot. If you are open, just keep shooting and you are going to make it.”
The 10-year veteran made the shots when it mattered most.
With San Miguel still breathing down the Fuel Masters' neck, Jazul drilled a three-pointer that increased Phoenix’s lead to eight points, 105-97.
“Gaya ng sinabi niya, after so many years, nakapukol din siya ng mga threes. That’s special for us, having RJ hitting those threes. It’s really big for us,” said Robinson.
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