PHOENIX Super LPG tries to put an end to its sorrows while prolonging Converge's own when they clash Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Fuel Masters sorely want to snap out of a two-game slide, jack their record up to 2-4 and gain a big confidence boost going to a match against Magnolia in just two days' time.
"Simply out, we need a win. I'm very positive naman na things will start going our way. Let's see, hopefully," said coach Jamike Jarin. "It's a big week for us kasi we got two games in three days, pero first things first."
For its part, Converge should be hungrier since it has yet to win after six games.
A breakthrough win should serve the FiberXers in good stead since they are set to wind up their elimination round campaign against the league's traditional powerhouses in San Miguel Beer (April 19), Meralco (April 21), Barangay Ginebra (April 27) and TNT (May 1).
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Jarin said his team is at least as hungry as Converge. "We had games we should have won, but unfortunately we're in a 1-4 record right now," he said.
Jarin attributed the dismal start to his team finding it hard to adjust following the injury suffered by starting point guard Tyler Tio right on their opening game against NorthPort last March 8.
Then came injuries alternately suffered by Jason Perkins, RR Garcia and, lately, Raoul Soyud.
"Malas-malas, eh. Losing our starting point guard, then Perkins and Soyud, na mga starters din, and then RR," rued Jarin. "So you had overall change-up in your starters and rotation, eh."
To make up for Tio's absence, Phoenix signed up free agent Kent Salado, who debuted for the FiberXers with a 10-point, four-rebound, four-assist, two-steal performance last March 31, but they still fell to SMB, 102-116.
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"We were able to get a good replacement in Salado so at least we had 10 days to get everybody into the groove," said Jarin, before enumerating the Converge players his team should be watching out for the most.
"(Justin) Arana, (Alec) Stockton, (Schonny) Winston, and even Bryan Santos, who can hit it from the outside. Mike Nieto is due for a big game and even Aljun Melecio," Jarin pointed out.
"This team is capable of really getting a team over any team. It's just unfortunate that they haven't been playing well," added Jarin. "Hopefully we can hold on to that, come into the game and play good, and after 48 minutes we win." (NC)
