The three San Miguel Corp. champion teams stand in the way of Phoenix Pulse to a top finish in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.
The Fuel Masters start the tough drive as they tangle with the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, the Governors Cup titlists, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
"Big test talaga ang last three games," said Phoenix coach Louie Alas, saying the team's character would be tested.
Or they would see for themselves if they have really developed a character to be with the elite teams in the local pro league.
If they can do well in this tough run in the homestretch of their elims schedule, the Fuel Masters will be rewarded with a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
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With a 7-1 win-loss card, the Fuel Masters pace the field, ahead by half-game over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-2) and leading comfortably over the rest of the pack.
Still, the Fuel Masters can't spill their last three games or they will blow away all their efforts early on in the tourney.
Magnolia could present an acid test as the Hotshots have regained their bearing, winning their last outing against the Meralco Bolts after starting the tourney with three successive losses.
Jio Jalalon put on a show in his homecoming, scattering 19 points, including three booming three-pointers in the fourth quarter, as Magnolia finally broke into the win-column on a 92-86 drubbing of Meralco at the Xavier U Gym in Cagayan de Oro City Saturday.
From a 78-82 count, Jalalon scored eight points in a crucial 11-to-nothing tear, and the Hotshots surged ahead to stay, notching a first win since their Governors Cup title run versus the Alaska Milk Aces.
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Paul Lee and Mark Barroca, who played key roles in Gilas' sweep of two crucial games in the FIBA World Cup qualifier final window, marked their return to their mother ball club with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Both the Hotshots and the Fuel Masters are likely bracing for a defensive grind.
"We've embraced the system of coach Louie. Defensive team kami. Yun ang laging sinasabi ni coach. Dapat we will have our own identity as a defensive team," said Phoenix guard RJ Jazul, a key contributor in their last win against the Alaska Milk Aces.
Much focus on defense was also a key ingredient in the Hotshots' title run in the last conference.
"Kaya malamang defensive battle talaga yan," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero of their faceoff with Phoenix. (SB)
