AFTER a truly disappointing stint in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters are hoping that new acquisitions will help propel them to a better finish in the PBA Governors Cup.
The Fuel Masters lost to the Alaska Aces, 105-115, in a recent tune-up game at the Gatorade Hoops Center just a few days ago, but there were plenty of positives for the team which tied at last place the previous conference.
The biggest positives are the stellar play of point guard Josh Urbiztondo, big man Norbert Torres and wing John Wilson. Then there is Asean Basketball League champion coach Ariel Vanguardia who handled the coaching reins.
Urbiztondo was blazing hot from the outside against the Aces as he drilled nine three pointers en route to scoring a team-high 27 markers.
The PBA journeyman may have finally found a home in Phoenix even as he seems poised to have a breakout PBA conference. He led a Phoenix rally in the fourth period which ultimately fell short allowing the Aces to post the victory.
Grizzled veteran Willy Wilson relied on speed and smarts to finish with 16 points. John Wilson continued to improve after regaining his confidence. He finished with 11 markers.
The Fuel Masters’ Asian import Lee Kwan Hee, played in the first period, was held scoreless by Alaska’s resolute defense and didn’t see action for the rest of the game.
Phoenix parades hard-working import Marcus Simmons and the Korean Lee as their Asian reinforcement. Simmons was a workhorse at both ends of the court against Alaska and eventually finished with 26 markers.
Even unheralded rookie Michael Miranda gave a good account of himself. With Phoenix trailing 50-60 with 6:30 to go in the third quarter, Miranda scored on a layup to cut the gap to eight points, 52-60. He would go on to convert two more layups and a bonus free throw to trim the Alaska lead to just two points, 62-64 with 4:35 to go in the third.
With the players motivated and playing to their full potential expect the Fuel Masters to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of their fall in the past conference.
