PHOENIX Super LPG and NLEX, both aspiring to improve from being middle-of-the-pack teams last season, clash in the 7:30 p.m. mainer Friday in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Despite losing key pieces including Encho Serrano, the Fuel Masters have been doing well in the preseason , triumphant in their first two games before being tripped the last time out by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-113.
The Road Warriors, on the other hand, are 0-3 as they have been struggling with a depleted lineup minus Sean Anthony, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Anthony Semerad and others.
Still, the Fuel Masters-Road Warriors tiff could be a humdinger, with Kevin Alas and pals raring to get over the hump.
It's also interesting to see in-form Raul Soyud perform against his former team.
Sponsored content:
The 6-foot-5 center from University of the Philippines has been among the league leading performers, piling up double-double numbers in all their first three games in the series.
Soyud collected 10 points and the same number of rebounds in their 106-101 upset of San Miguel Beer on May 24, then stepped up even more with 25 markers and 13 boards in their 100-93 drubbing of Meralco on May 28.
In defeat at the hands of the Elasto Painters, Soyud was still the lead light for the Fuel Masters with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Larry Muyang is another Fuel Master on a roll with double-double numbers.
He averages 14.6 points and 12 rebounds in a sustained breakthrough showing from last PBA season.
Sponsored content:
And Phoenix also draws fine outings from Jjay Alejandro, RR Garcia, Tyler Tio and Sean Manganti.
Still, Ravena and his teammates are hoping they can finally hit a good rhythm and be competitive versus the Fuel Masters.
They're determined to break into the win-column after losses to Blackwater, Rain or Shine and Magnolia. (SB)
