Phoenix Super LPG’s blazing start to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup will face its sternest challenge yet on Saturday as the unbeaten Fuel Masters collide with fellow early winner Meralco at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Riding the momentum of back-to-back victories under new coach Charles Tiu, the Fuel Masters head into the 7:30 p.m. showdown brimming with confidence, but fully aware that the Bolts present a different level of challenge. After opening the conference with a thrilling 101-98 upset of Magnolia and following it up with a dominant 109-76 rout of Titan Ultra, Phoenix has quickly emerged as one of the surprise teams of the young tournament.
The Fuel Masters have done it behind a high-powered offense that has churned out an average of 105 points through their first two games, turning heads with both their pace and efficiency. But against Meralco, Phoenix is expected to face its first true measuring-stick game of the conference.
Still, Tiu likes the mindset his team has brought to the floor.
“I really believe in this team. I believe in the players that we have. I think we can compete with every team and at least give ourselves a chance to win every game,” said Tiu.
While even he admitted the 2-0 start came with a bit of surprise, the rookie mentor said the Fuel Masters are simply embracing the opportunity in front of them.
“As a coach we try to envision ourselves winning every game. It’s still somewhat unexpected because we were able to upset Magnolia, so we’re just thankful to be 2-0,” he added.
Meralco, however, is coming in with plenty of confidence of its own after a strong 109-88 victory over Converge on Wednesday. The Bolts looked sharp in their first outing of the conference, with new import Marvin Jones making an immediate impact and giving Meralco another reliable weapon in the middle.
Coach Luigi Trillo said the opener was an encouraging start, though he stressed the team is still a work in progress as it continues to build chemistry.
Jones wasted no time proving his worth, delivering 29 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in his debut while helping power Meralco to the 300th win in franchise history. He also drew praise from Trillo for the way he settled into his first PBA game and adjusted under pressure.
“You can’t be sure about an import until you see him up close in a real game, and I thought he handled it pretty well,” said Trillo.
With CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome also providing steady support, the Bolts showed both balance and composure, especially when Converge tried to slow them down with a zone defense late in the game.
That sets the stage for a compelling duel between two unbeaten teams eager to gain early control in the conference. For Phoenix, it is a chance to prove its hot start is no fluke. For Meralco, it is an opportunity to reassert itself as one of the teams to beat.
Momentum will be on the line, but so will early credibility, as the Fuel Masters and the Bolts square off in what could be one of the conference’s first statement games.