Phoenix is on the rise while the Magnolia Hotshots are now anything but hot.
The Fuel Masters try to keep their romp while the Hotshots look to rekindle flickering PBA Commissioner's Cup playoff hopes as they clash Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Coach Jamike Jarin's troops are now knocking at the Top Eight after back-to-back wins over the Terrafirma Dyip, 122-108, and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-91.
Phoenix has actually won three of its last four outings, the first one at the expense of the previously unbeaten NorthPort team, 115-109, before the holiday breather.
"This is a big win. Any win in this conference, in this league, is very big. First winning streak for Phoenix this conference so we're just happy and very proud," said Jarin after claiming the scalp of Rain or Shine to improve to 3-5.
Sponsored content:
"We're happy, but we can't be satisfied kasi we had chances to have a better record. So I blame myself for that. Like what I always say, the most important game is the next game. As soon as we get out of the dugout, we need to rest our bodies and then prepare for the next game. And that is Magnolia," Jarin added.
The Fuel Masters seek to stretch their run to three versus the Magnolia side that is struggling badly with bad breaks, including an injury to ace guard Paul Lee.
With three games left in the one-round-robin elims, the Hotshots (3-6) are buried deep at 11th place in this very tourney where they finished second to the San Miguel Beermen the last time.
Do they see light at the end of the tunnel?
"Must-win yung remaining games namin Every game kailangan manalo, kung hindi bakasyon na kami," said Magnolia guard Mark Barroca.
Sponsored content:
Coach Chito Victolero's wards seek a sweep of Phoenix, Eastern and Meralco.
"Dadaan kami sa butas ng karayom," said Barroca. (SB)
