Phoenix Pulse has been winning games mainly because of defense.
Some say it is winning the ugly way, but coach Louie Alas says they have no plan of deviating from it.
"Four of our six wins came from stoppage. We keep on inculcating on our players na 'yan ang gusto naming yakapin na identity, and we'll continue to preach that," said Alas.
The Fuel Masters now brace for a tough defensive battle against fellow defensive-minded team Alaska Milk as they clash at 7 p.m. Friday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
At stake for the Fuel Masters is an outright entry into the playoffs where they're in the running for a Top Two seeding and the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
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A win will also enable Phoenix to gain a share of the lead with lone tormentor Rain or Shine.
The Fuel Masters have put one foot into the playoffs on a 98-96 decision over the NorthPort Batang Pier Wednesday aided by a controversial call in the closing seconds.
Upon review of the video, the PBA technical group came to a conclusion that the offensive foul called by referee Noy Guevarra against Northport's Sean Anthony, during the last 47.8 seconds of the fourth quarter of the game, was a wrong call.
Anthony made a three-point play that was nullified because of the blunder.
"Pahirapan yung panalo namin. Pero mas mahirap yung susunod," said Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas, anticipating a tougher match with the Alaska Aces who come into the battle from back-to-back wins.
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The Aces are among the front-runners with a 2-1 card, starting strong in the tournament despite a badly crippled lineup minus a number of key players including top gun Vic Manuel.
After a losing season debut, the Aces smothered the Columbian Dyip, 94-72, then outlasted the Blackwater Elite, 103-101.(SB)
