IT'S easy to see why Phoenix Super LPG is seen to be the least favored among the bottom four teams in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals, since it was bunched with reigning champion TNT, Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel, and perenial contender Magnolia.
That's why not a few fans have underestimated the Fuel Masters' chances of advancing to the semifinals when they go up against No. 2 and twice-to-beat Barangay Ginebra on Friday.
Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu, though, isn't going to start arguing with observers.
“I am not surprised,” he told SPIN.ph on the eve of the game. “To be honest, we are probably the team that everyone in the top four wants to face and I completely understand. It's nothing personal.”
With a chip on their shoulder, the Fuel Masters will look to pull off a shocker, first by winning at the Ynares Center-Antipolo and forcing a knockout bout against the Gin Kings
But Tiu will also be the first to admit that it will be a difficult game, especially with the pedigree of Ginebra, which entered the playoffs with a 9-3 record - including winning five of its last six games.
Tiu also said Phoenix will likely be shorthanded once more with Ricci Rivero a game-time decision due to a left hand injury and Kai Ballungay still recovering from a severe ankle sprain that already forced him to miss 10 games.
“We have our work cut out for us,” he said. “Ricci still isn't healthy. Most probably, Kai will be out. But the most important thing is for our team to believe that we can win the game.”
Nonetheless, the Fuel Masters had a respectable showing in their elimination round meeting with the Gin Kings, as the former only lost steam in the fourth quarter before bowing to the latter, 109-96, last April 12.
Tiu earns praise from Cone
Ahead of the quarterfinal match-up, Ginebra coach Tim Cone praised Tiu for Phoenix's fight.
“They've been good all conference long,” he said. “I've been talking Charles out to everybody. He is doing a wonderful job over there. [Johnathan] Williams is changing the way they play. We know we have our work cut out for us."
In their bid to stay alive, the Fuel Masters will have to try and limit the production of Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt.
“Ginebra is a great team. Pretty much half of the national team is there plus Holt, so they're stacked. But hopefully, we can compete. We played them well the last time we matched up before we collapsed in the fourth. We will definitely try our best to pull off an upset,” said Tiu.
“But we are excited to play Ginebra. They've got the best fans in the PBA, so it should be fun,” he added.
As to Cone's positive remarks on him, Tiu said: “Happy to hear that coach Tim has nice words, but he is always very generous with praise anyways.”
"Tim Cone is the GOAT of coaches here so for him to say that means a lot and it’s an honor to go up against him."
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