Phoenix Super LPG is sitting on top of Group B—but coach Charles Tiu wants his Fuel Masters to play like a team with nothing to lose.
No mercy. No complacency. No easing off the gas.
That is the mindset Phoenix will carry into its explosive rematch against a desperate Blackwater squad Wednesday in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters already punished the Bossing, 102-93, in their first meeting last July 28. Another victory in their 5:15 p.m. showdown would raise Phoenix’s record to a commanding 5-1 and strengthen its hold on the Group B lead.
But Tiu is not interested in celebrating the standings just yet.
“The goal is to compete every game. That’s really our challenge,” the Phoenix coach said.
Tiu knows Blackwater will enter the rematch with its back against the wall—and that could make the Bossing more dangerous than ever.
Blackwater in Panic Mode
Blackwater has lost three straight games after a promising start, sending its campaign into a dangerous downward spiral.
Now carrying a 2-3 record, the Bossing badly need a victory to revive their bid for a top-four finish and a ticket to the quarterfinals after the 12-game elimination round.
One more loss could push Blackwater deeper into trouble.
“We expect Blackwater to want to bounce back. They’re on a losing streak,” Tiu said.
“They also had this week to prepare and regroup, so they’re in desperation mode. That’s why we need to want it more than them.”
The warning is clear: Phoenix may be the group leader, but Blackwater will be fighting for survival.
Barkley Monster Game Wasted
Blackwater import Kentrell Barkley tried to carry the Bossing on his shoulders in their previous outing, exploding for a game-high 36 points and a massive 25 rebounds.
But even those video-game numbers were not enough.
Barkley had to fire 26 shots and committed six turnovers as Blackwater’s supporting cast struggled to deliver. RK Ilagan scored 20 points but needed 17 attempts, while Sedrick Barefield endured a miserable shooting night.
Barefield took 19 shots and finished with only 10 points. Dalph Panopio added just seven points on seven attempts.
Unless Barefield, Panopio and the rest of the Blackwater locals wake up, Barkley could be forced to carry another impossible burden against one of the hottest teams in the conference.
Phoenix Has More Weapons
Unlike Blackwater, Phoenix displayed a more balanced attack in the first encounter.
Import BJ Johnson delivered 23 points and 12 rebounds, but he did not have to do everything.
Jason Perkins erupted for a team-high 25 points, while Gian Mamuyac broke out with 18 points—his best performance yet in a Phoenix uniform.
Ricci Rivero struggled from the field, scoring only 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting, but nearly posted a triple-double with eight rebounds and nine assists.
That kind of all-around contribution has transformed Phoenix into an early Group B powerhouse.
Still, Tiu insists the Fuel Masters are nowhere near satisfied.
“Overall, we really have to play better,” he said. “We have to take care of the ball because our turnovers are still high, and we also need to rebound better. Those are the two concerns we have to address.”
No Time to Breathe
Phoenix’s clash with Blackwater begins a punishing stretch that could test whether the Fuel Masters are genuine championship contenders.
After the Bossing, Phoenix faces Rain or Shine on Sunday before battling Magnolia just three days later.
That makes every win even more valuable—and every mistake more costly.
Blackwater will enter the court trying to stop the bleeding.
Phoenix will arrive looking to tighten its grip on the group and send another rival crashing down the standings.
The Bossing are desperate.
But Tiu wants his Fuel Masters to be even hungrier.
For Phoenix, this is not just another rematch—it is a chance to step on Blackwater’s throat and prove that Group B belongs to the Fuel Masters.