PHOENIX wants to turn things around in the new year but knows the first step would be a tough one against unpredictable Terrafirma in their collision Tuesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, 5:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena.
At first glance, the Fuel Masters seem to be the favorites with their 1-5 record against the Dyip's 0-7 slate.
Not so fast, according to Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin. "Terrafirma is playing really well," he pointed out.
"In their last game they really pushed Rain or Shine," added Jarin, referring to the Dyip engaging the Elasto Painters through eight deadlocks and 18 lead changes before losing steam in the stretch that led to a 112-124 defeat last Dec. 22.
"They're gunning for their first win so I'm sure they're very prepared also," Jarin also said. "I'm sure they're confident going in against us because we're just one game ahead of them. Those are the things we need to look out for."
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Phoenix is also coming off a loss to Converge via a 105-116 count last Dec. 19 that foiled the Fuel Masters' bid to follow up their breakthrough 105-99 shocker over erstwhile unbeaten NorthPort just two days prior.
Jarin pointed to the absence of rookie center Kai Ballungay as one key factor why his side wound up on the short end of a 57-45 count off the boards and minus-eight in second chance points against the FiberXers.
"Kasi in our last game we missed the services of Kai Ballungay because the wife is in the hospital, gave birth prematurely," related Jarin.
"But the wife is doing well, the daughter is doing well and he's back with us right now. That's a big boost for us going into 2025."
The 6-7 Ballungay should indeed be of big help to the likes of fellow frontliners Donovan Smith, Jason Perkins, Simon Camacho, Raul Soyud and Matthew Daves in countering the likes of Terrafirma's Brandon Edwards, Vic Manuel and Mark Louie Sangalang.
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Before being stymied by Rain or Shine import Deon Thompson, Sangalang repeatedly shredded the E-Painters' local defenders on a variety of post moves before winding up with 21 points and eight boards.
There is little room for lapses as far as Jarin is concerned. "We need to bring our A-game and hopefully after 48 minutes we'll get our second victory," he stated. (NC)
