WHAT to expect when two of the PBA's tough defensive teams face each other?
Nothing but a grind out game, according to Phoenix coach Louie Alas.
"It will be a dog fight. Magandang laban yan," said the veteran coach as he looks forward to the Fuel Masters' battle with the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots at the Astrodome during the Petron Blaze Saturday Special.
That both teams are coming off victories further magnified how intense the 6:45 p.m. match up would be.
"We hope to get back-to-back wins. And Coming off a win din yung Magnolia," Alas noted.
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The Fuel Masters (2-3) eked out a 78-76 win over Alaska last week to end a three-game skid, a stretch which saw the team lost star player Calvin Abueva to indefinite suspension.
What made the victory significant for Alas though, was Phoenix finally winning the battle of the boards by outrebounding the Aces, 68-45.
"Last three games namin lagi kaming talo. E last conference kami ang No. 1 sa department na yun," Alas said.
Magnolia on the other hand, has bounced back from back-to-back losses to open its conference campaign by winning its last two outings against Columbian Dyip and NLEX for an even 2-2 record.
Coach Chito Victolero said import James Farr finally getting the feel of Magnolia basketball has something to do with the turnaround.
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"He's not athletic just like the other imports, but the important thing is yung fit sa system namin," he said. "He has a good basketball IQ and mabilis siyang mag-adjust."
The game could also see the return from injuries of big men Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis.(RG)
