Feb 20, 2018

Phoenix and Blackwater face-off in 'Game of Death'

Phoenix Petroleum resumes chase of an outright playoff entry while Blackwater fights for dear life in a pivotal showdown in the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

The Fuel Masters were stalled in their playoff drive the last time on a 90-92 loss to the Meralco Bolts while the Elite dropped into a delicate spot following a 90-93 defeat at the hands of the NLEX Road Warriors.

And with 10 days left in the elims, both teams are with five other teams in a mad scramble for the four remaining spots in the post-elims play.

The Fuel Masters (4-5) and the Elite (4-6) figure in a virtual playoff duel in their 7 p.m.face-off.

With the importance of the match, the two teams are expected to go hammer and tongs at each other even in the absence of a key player each on loan to Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

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Phoenix will miss Matthew Wright while Blackwater will be sans Allein Maliksi.

The Fuel Masters have a bigger room to maneuver with their 4-5 win-loss slate. A sweep of their last two games against the Elite and the GlobalPort Batang Pier will reward them an outright playoff entry.

At 4-6, the Elite are in a must-win situation. A win could give them a playoff crack at the last quarterfinal berth.

Phoenix coach Louie Alas remains hopeful especially with the fact that they still have control of their destiny.

"At least nasa kamay pa namin ang fate namin. Nasasa-amin na 'yon to make things happen," said Alas.

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Asked of his thoughts on their last game in the elims, Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said: "Must win. No other comment." (SB)