Phoenix tests NorthPort grit

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BUOYED by an inspiring semifinal stint in the last Commissioner’s Cup, Phoenix kicks off its bid in the season-ending tourney with a big mission–prove its previous success was no fluke.

“We’re excited to play. We just need to prove to everybody, again, that it wasn’t a fluke that we made it to the semis,” Fuel Masters coach Jamike Jarin said. “It’s going to be a very tough game because we know everybody’s going to prepare hard against us.

“So, we have to double, or even triple, our efforts to get a victory in every game,” he added.

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Phoenix tries to pick up where it left off when it takes on NorthPort today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The curtain-raiser is set at 4:30 p.m., with the Fuel Masters making their debut after losing to the Magnolia Hotshots 1-3 in the semis of the import-spiced tilt.

Ginebra also launches its drive against Rain or Shine in the nightcap at 7:30.

Phoenix will parade an intact line-up from the last conference led by Jason Perkins, Javee Mocon, Tyler Tio, veteran RJ Jazul, and rookies Ricci Rivero and Kenneth Tuffin.

What gnaws at Jarin is the Batang Pier’s young and athletic players.

“Everybody’s healthy, no major injuries, so we’re gonna come in complete,” Jarin said.

“NorthPort, if you look at its line-up, it typifies a long, athletic team. They’re very young also. Let’s see. It’s going to be very interesting.”

NorthPort tactician Bonnie Tan is convinced that having plenty of weapons could be one of the keys for them.

“The advantage we have is, at least we have choices. Added talents in some positions,” he said after the Batang Pier downed the Converge FiberXers 112-104 last Sunday that raised their mark to 1-1.

“The hardest part in coaching right now is how to get the right combination, and on our rotation, how we can control the playing minutes of the players.”

The likes of Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, Will Navarro, Fran Yu, Cade Flores, and veterans Jeff Chan and Kris Rosales will be counted upon anew to deliver by NorthPort.

Rain or Shine dropped its first two outings, including a 117-121 loss to Meralco in overtime last Saturday.

The Painters will rely on Adrian Nocum, Leonard Santillan, Andrei Caracut, Jhonard Clarito, Gian Mamuyac, Gabe Norwood, and Beau Belga.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone will still bank on his battle-scarred crew led by former MVP Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Jamie Malonzo.

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