The Fuel Masters have proven that they are a team to watch out for this conference.
The Phoenix Fuel Masters have been one of the biggest surprises in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
For a team featuring several rookies, the Fuel Masters have proven that they can keep in step with some of the best, as evidenced by their current 7-2 mark which is tied for second.
The strong record was buoyed by an incredible six-game winning streak. In that run, Phoenix scored multiple close victories, including one against defending champion Brgy. Ginebra.
Among those leading the charge for the Fuel Masters were steady point guard Tyler Tio and rookie Ken Tuffin.
“The biggest thing for us I think was we stayed together,” Tio said in an interview with The Game. “Even though the other team was making runs, we just stayed together, stuck to our system, and it's been working for us and we haven't tried to fix it.”
Tio has been averaging a solid 9.78 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for Phoenix.
Likewise, Tuffin has been making a strong impression, contributing 10 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
And while Phoenix’s winning streak came to an end against the San Miguel Beermen on Christmas Day, Tio admitted that it was a "good experience" for a young team like them.
“I think that was a good experience for us because we were ahead a lot of the game and in the fourth quarter, I think San Miguel's experience just showed,” said Tio.
“We'll just learn and get better. San Miguel was the better team and hopefully, we learn and see them again soon,” he added.
Another key aspect of Phoenix’s impressive run so far in the conference has been their strong bond with coach Jamike Jarin.
Jarin, who took over the reins for the Fuel Masters back in January 2023, has shown that he is indeed a “players’ coach.”
“He (Jarin) makes an effort with the players too, so he gets to know us individually, what's going on in our personal lives, and I feel like that's his way to obviously build the relationships and trust, so we can follow him into battle,” said Tuffin.
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With just two games left in their elimination round, the Fuel Masters will look to secure a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.
First up for the team will be a pivotal matchup with the Meralco Bolts, the team they're tied with in the standings, on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.