The Phoenix Fuel Masters are eager to break out from their slump in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Phoenix is determined to end its skid when it squares off with Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Friday, Oct. 31.
Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix (1-3) is coming off back-to-back losses, the last against Converge, 114-128, where the Fuel Masters clawed back from an 18-point deficit but ultimately ran out of steam.
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Ricci Rivero, who just registered a career-best 22 points against NLEX last Oct. 22, quickly rewrote that just three days later with 23 against the FiberXers.
He is expected to sustain his stellar play when the Fuel Masters clash with the second-running Hotshots, who leaned on veteran Mark Barroca to pocket their third win against a solitary loss in their previous match against Terrafirma.
Also at the forefront would be Jason Perkins, who topscored with 27 points the last time out.
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Despite the slump, Phoenix showed flashes of resilience and offensive potential — traits they’ll need to capitalize on.
But aside from tapping Perkins’ steady leadership and banking on Rivero’s newfound confidence, head coach Willy Wilson would also hope for the Fuel Masters supporting cast to step up to match Magnolia’s depth and execution.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]