PHOENIX Pulse's two wins have come via clutch, dying-second game-winners.
Coach Louie Alas knows such luck won't hold out forever, main reason why he wants his Fuel Masters to put more of their fate in their hands starting in their collision with NorthPort in a Petron Blaze Saturday Special offering in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix is looking to score its first back-to-back wins in the season-ending conference and, at the same time, improve to a 3-4 slate that should at least keep it at seventh-running spot.
For its part, NorthPort is looking to snap out of a four-game slide and spark its run for inclusion among the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
Based on their last outing, a 101-103 loss to powerhouse TNT made possible only by Troy Rosario's timely baskets in the stretch, the Batang Pier seem all set to arrest their slide.
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That fact is not lost on Alas and keeps stressing what his remaining charges must do to overcome what is expected to be a stiff challenge from NorthPort.
"NorthPort is really tough, deep with a 10- to 12-man rotation," said Alas on the eve of the match.
"Their bigs are good, they've got lots of shooters and reliable guards and well-coached," added Alas. "To beat them we need to bring our A-defensive effort. Ang dami naming dapat i-contain."
Of course, Alas was specifically referring to Robert Bolick, Mo Tautuaa, Kevin Ferrer, Sean Anthony, import Mychal Ammons, Garvo Lanete, Paolo Taha, Nico Elorde, Sol Mercado, Jervy Cruz, Jerramy King and Russell Escoto.
"Mahirap i-stop lahat, that's why I keep saying na kailangan i-contain lang," stated Alas.
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And while NorthPort nears full strength, with only Bradwyn Guinto still to fully recover from injury, the same cannot be said of Phoenix.
Matthew Wright, whose baseline jumper spelled the difference in a 103-101 win over Barangay Ginebra, and RJ Jazul are game-time decisions due to injuries and may join Willy Wilson, Jaypee Mendoza and JC Intal in the sidelines.
That should make the Fuel Masters thin in the backcourt with RR Garcia, whose last-second, mini alley-oop led to an 86-84 squeaker over Rain or Shine just last Wednesday, and Alex Mallari, himself playing through a sprain, left to chiefly man the Fuel Masters' backcourt. (NC)
