The already-ran Phoenix Fuel Masters take on a team that is still gunning for a spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, the TNT Tropang Giga.
The Phoenix Fuel Masters, seeing their chances at the playoffs grow ever slimmer, aim to finish strong and play the spoiler role as they face the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday, January 24, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Tip-off is set at 5:00 p.m.
With a 3-8 record, Phoenix is seeing its playoff window narrow to a sliver with the loss to Blackwater. But now, its motivation now lies in derailing TNT’s bid for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Phoenix will look to leave its mark in the tournament by taking down one of the top teams in the league.
Leading the charge for Phoenix is import Donovan Smith, who has been a consistent force in the paint.
Alongside Smith, the locals, including Jaydee Tungcab and Tyler Tio, will be tasked to rise to the occasion and challenge TNT’s strong lineup.
Facing a Tropang Giga squad eager to bounce back from a stunning loss to Terrafirma, Phoenix has nothing to lose and everything to gain by playing with heart and intensity.
For the Fuel Masters, this is an opportunity to make a statement and end their campaign on a high note.
(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.]