Fuel Masters edge closer to F4

Whip elite on Phelps exploits

MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix Petroleum sustained its rise in the elimination as the Fuel Masters trampled the Blackwater Elite, 93-81, to get within striking distance of the frontrunners in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

Eugene Phelps continued to dish out an A-1 performance, churning out 29 points and 26 rebounds as the Fuel Masters notched a fifth win in their last six games to muddle up the race for the last three spots in the Top Four among Barangay Ginebra (6-2), Mahindra (6-3), San Miguel Beer (6-3) and Phoenix (5-4).

So far, only TNT KaTropa has secured a Top Four berth and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with an 8-1 win-loss record. The Fuel Masters rallied into contention for the crucial quarters advantage, racking up five victories in six games since the arrival of Phelps.

“Phelps is a gift from heaven,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia.

“Slowly but surely, Cyrus Baguio is acquitting himself at two spot. If our point guards can be consistent, then we can go far in this tournament,” Vanguardia also said.

With no one to match up with the prolific Phoenix import, the Elite played a pressing game almost throughout, a strategy allowing them to stay in the battle until the Fuel Masters made a decisive run from a close 76-71 count.

New import Keala King couldn’t make a difference as the Elite remained on a slump, absorbing an eighth loss in nine outings.

“Credit to Blackwater, they gave us a tough night with their pressing defense. It’s a good preparation for us for our game against Alaska,” said Vanguardia.

The new Phoenix bench chieftain insisted the challenge is on their guards to perform well if they’re to gatecrash the Top Four.

“We only had 16 assists tonight. It’s the lowest we’ve had in a game this conference. My point guards just can’t play a solid game together,” said Vanguardia. “If we play the elite teams like Alaska with its defensive press and Ginebra with LA (Tenorio), Sol (Mercado) and Scottie (Thompson), mostly likely we would struggle badly.”

The Fuel Masters got only 16 assists as against 24 turnovers.

Nonetheless, Phoenix was in command almost throughout with firepower coming from Phelps, Baguio, Mark Borboran and Simon Enciso.

Alaska Milk played with  great resolve from a 10-day rest, blasting GlobalPort, 133-106, to catch up with NLEX and Rain or Shine at seventh place at 4-5 later in the night.

“It’s the level of determination,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.