The Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the NorthPort Batang Pier at 4:30 PM on February 2, 2023 live from the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila.
The Fuelmasters are eyeing to end their losing skid which is already extended to three in a row and similar to Batang Pier they too in a similar situation and itching to get their first victory in this conference.
A new coach, a new system that’s the picture of Phoenix at the moment and that could also mean team adjustment. Though they’re currently at 0-3 that win-loss record is deceiving to their opponent. In their last timeout against the mighty San Miguel Beermen, they almost snatched the victory as they trimmed down the 33-point deficit to 10 in the final quarter.
The only issue that probably they wanted to address is how to be consistent and know how to close out a match and take home the victory.
“Against San Miguel we were down by 33 but we got that down to 11, 10, but unfortunately they made some big shots,” said Phoenix head coach Jamike Jarin.
Likewise, their first two opponents versus TNT Tropang Giga and Blackwater Bossing, those games were decided by slight margins. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, the former San Beda Red Lions chief tactician prefers to look at the upsides of his team.
“Pero as a coach you should be proud pa rin with what your players are doing. So just continue to give your best,” said Jarin. “If you look at it, marami pa ring positives. Ang ganda ng laro namin.”
Also, the interim coach admits that the tough schedule was also a factor in their early slow performance.
“Unfortunately, the schedule was tough for us. We played three games in five days. We fought well in the first two games, only losing by four and three. Could have gone either way. Against San Miguel we ran into a juggernaut. We started well then, all of a sudden, we couldn’t make a basket, especially from the outside,” said Jarin.
For NorthPort on the other hand, apart from the identical winless record with Phoenix, they too have a new head coach on their bench so most likely the entire troops are still in their adjustment phase. Additionally, they still waiting for their ace point guard Robert Bolick who is reported that still be under negotiation for a fresh contract.