Willy Wilson lifted Phoenix out of a four-game rut to leave Terrafirma in the cellar in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Phoenix coach Willy Wilson did not hide his desire to lead his wards to the playoffs in his first foray in head coaching in the PBA.
With his rookie year going on a rocky start, Wilson is only concerned about the more important thing, which is the growth of his young squad.
Wilson had this to say after the Fuel Masters grabbed only their second win in seven games in the Season 50 Philippine Cup.
“Siyempre, ang ultimate goal is to make the playoffs. Pero hindi namin tinitingnan 'yon. Ang tinitingnan lang namin is the next game,” said Wilson during the post-game presser at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
“We’re just trying to grow every single game. Yes, the ultimate goal is to make the playoffs, but at the same time, we want to improve from Day 1 to whenever our conference ends.”
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Terrafirma Dyip vs Phoenix Fuel Masters | Philippine Cup]
Phoenix finishes strong
In the first half of eliminations, Phoenix kept in step with its battle-tested foes but lacked the finishing kick.
Against its companion at the cellar, though, the Fuel Masters raced off to a hot 37-20 start before wrapping up the match with a 31-point lead.
Phoenix coach Willy Wilson | Photo: PBA Images
Kai Ballungay starred for Phoenix with his double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Ricci Rivero turned in 16 markers, six boards and a steal, while Jason Perkins and Bryan Santos chipped in 12 points apiece.
“Feels good to get this one. But like Coach Willy said, our ultimate goal is to make the playoffs and keep stacking wins. Tonight is a good step in the right direction,” said Ballungay.
The Dyip, who gave TNT a scare in their previous match, could not just do it again this time as it slid to a fifth straight loss for a 1-6 card.
Jerrick Ahanmisi, stellar with his career high 26 points against the Tropang 5G, was held to two points as he struggled with 1-for-8 shooting.
Paolo Hernandez paced Terrafirma with 14 points, Louie Sangalang scored, and Aljon Mariano added 11 points and six rebounds.
Phoenix vs. Terrafirma Scores:
Phoenix 107 – Ballungay 19, Rivero 16, Perkins 12, Santos 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Daves 6, Jazul 6, Escandor 5, Nelle 4, Garcia 4, Kwekuteye 3, Ando 2, Caperal 1, Manganti 1
Terrafirma 76 – Hernandez 14, Sangalang 13, Mariano 11, Paraiso 10, Hanapi 9, Catapusan 5, M.Ahanmisi 4, Bravo 3, Rivero 2, J. Ahanmisi 2, Garcia 2, Zaldivar 1, Olivario 0
Quarterscores: 37-20, 58-47, 84-68, 107-76
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.