JASON Perkins finally gets to see action for Phoenix Super LPG, solving one of the team's most nagging problems going to its match with Meralco Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Coach Jamike Jarin said Perkins is sure to be a big boost, but his Fuel Masters must still find a solution to another major concern if they hope to snap out of a 0-2 start at the expense of the defending champion Bolts.
More so now that Phoenix is going up against a Meralco crew bristling to bounce back following a sorry loss its last time out that cut short the Bolts' 2-0 start to the season-ending tourney.
"It's going to be tough. But the good thing about it is, we got Perkins back," said Jarin of the burly power forward who sat out Phoenix's first two games due to flu-like symptoms.
"We didn't want to risk na magka-relapse kasi, siyempre, nanghihina, baka mabinat. So management and the doctors decided na huwag ipilit. Baka makahawa, not only his teammates baka pati kalaban," related Jarin.
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"First time na we'll have a full lineup this conference."
As Jarin himself pointed out, it is not just Perkins' absence that caused his side's back-to-back losses to Terrafirma and Converge, especially from beyond the shorter arc.
"Ang problema hindi kami maka-shoot, eh. Open, challenged, hindi kami maka-shoot. Two games we've been shooting really bad," said Jarin after his Fuel Masters' 3-of-20 three-point shooting against the Dyip, followed by a 3-of-25 clip against the FiberXers.
"Hindi na coaching iyon and I don't know the reason. Is it bad luck? I really don't know," said Jarin.
Phoenix coming up with a more well-rounded game is a must against a Meralco squad wanting to bounce back from a 98-110 loss to San Miguel Beer last Wednesday.
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The Bolts put up a gallant stand against the same squad they beat for the conference crown last season, whittling a 33-50 deficit to just 75-77, early in the fourth period, before being done in by the Beermen's torrid finish.
This time, expect Chris Newsome to once again lead Meralco with frontliners Raymond Almazan, Brandon Bates and Cliff Hodge taking turns dealing with Perkins.(NC)
