First back-to-back wins for the Fuel Masters this conference.
A sluggish start didn’t dampen Phoenix Fuel Master Encho Serrano’s confidence one bit.
Instead, Serrano bucked the unproductive start to help the Fuel Masters pull off a 106-103 escape act against Converge FiberXers in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday.
At halftime, Serrano only had 2 turnovers to go with a rebound and an assist in over 3 minutes of play. While that would frustrate most players, Serrano, who didn’t even play in the opening period, was not most players.
The spitfire guard poured his season-high 29 points in the second half, none bigger than the floater off a spin against Kevin Racal with 18.7 ticks remaining to give the Fuel Masters the lead for good, 105-103.
“Lagi lang sinasbi ni coach Jamike (Jarin) na always ready lang. Kaninang first half iniisip ko tumulong talaga. Nung pinasok ako ni coach Jamike hindi naman nawala kasi knowing alam kong gagamitin niya ako,” said Serrano, whose team improved to a 3-5 win-loss record.
“Kaya kumpyansa ko hindi naman mawawala. Gustong-gusto ko talaga tumulong sa team kaya ginawa ko best ko.”
Jarin couldn’t help but be proud of his “selfless” wards, specifically Serrano.
“We’re trying to get captain RJ Jazul going,” said Jarin, referring to the reason Serrano rode the bench in the first quarter. “Captain RJ was struggling a bit so it was an opportunity for him to come in.”