THE rest of the PBA Governors Cup field have been generally hard-pressed on finding a solution for Phoenix import Eugene Phelps.
Team defense against the man known as "El Destructor" has been relatively successful and that's what Rain or Shine is sure to employ when it collides with Phelps and the rest of the Fuel Masters Wednesday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The match is a crucial one for both teams.
Phoenix wants a win that would move it to fourth-running spot and give it momentum going to its last elimination round assignment, a crucial one against Blackwater, on Nov. 4.
Wins by the Fuel Masters against the Elasto Painters and Elite should firmly install the former within the top four, which would be rewarded with a twice-to-beat advantage in the ensuing eight-team quarterfinals.
Sponsored content:
For its part, Rain or Shine needs a win that would snap it out of a two-game slide and keep alive its hopes of at least tying for a spot in the next round.
The E-Painters, however, are going to the match with a big handicap.
Despite ironing out his differences with coach Caloy Garcia during a meeting with co-team owner Raymund Yu last Monday, Raymund Almazan won't be re-joining Rain or Shine until it starts practices for next season.
The E-Painters also have to make do without Beau Belga, who is out for the season due to a foot injury he suffered in a shock 84-100 loss to Columbian last Friday.
That leaves the E-Painters with Terrence Watson, Jewel Ponferrada, Norbert Torres, Jay Washington, plus the undersized Dexter Maiquez and Sydney Onwubere as their remaining big men.
Every one of those big, wide bodies is needed against Phelps, who has been repeatedly imposing his will inside for averages of 32.56 points, 18.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.
Sponsored content:
But it is not just Phelps alone as Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, Matthew Wright and RJ Jazul have also contributed for Phoenix coach Louie Alas.
Alas is not with out his own concerns, however, well aware as he is of his charges' propensity for miscues and Rain or Shine's now smaller lineup threatening to outrun his team.
"We're positive and at the same time worried din because of our carelessness. No. 1 kami in turnovers (19 per game) and that's our main focus the last few days," offered Alas, whose team committed 26 turnovers in a 100-117 loss to San Miguel Beer two Fridays ago.
"We all know kung gaano kabilis Rain or Shine," added Alas. "With or without opportunity tatakbo iyan." (NC)
