Tiu, Fuel Masters triumph easily this time to keep perfect start
Charles Tiu couldn’t be happier with where he is at after guiding Phoenix to a 2-0 start as a PBA rookie coach.
“As a coach, we try to envision ourselves winning every game,” Tiu said after the Fuel Masters rolled past the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 109-76, in Sunday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at Ynares Center Montalban in faraway Rodriguez, Rizal.
The victory allowed Phoenix to share the early lead with fellow minnow Terrafirma as the surprise early leaders of the midseason conference, something the team will obviously try to keep moving forward.
Phoenix hasn’t reached the playoffs since the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup when made the semifinals behind Best Import Johnathan Williams. This time, the Fuel Masters have an efficient reinforcement in James Dickey III, who posted 17 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocks.
Dickey was coming off a 20-point, 26-rebound game when Phoenix pulled off a surprise 101-98 win over Magnolia, a regular playoff fixture. That result last Friday gave Tiu an auspicious start to his tenure which he accepted following stints with College of St. Benilde in the NCAA and an active assistant coaching role with Converge.
“It’s still somewhat unexpected because we were able to upset Magnolia, so we’re just thankful to be 2-0,” Tiu said. “But I mean, I believe in this team. I really believe in the players that we have and I think we can compete with every team and we believe that we can at least give ourselves a chance to win every game.”
Tiu and the Fuel Masters will have another big test on Saturday when they face the Meralco Bolts at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Ricci Rivero had 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, Ken Tuffin scored 17 while Evan Nelle knocked down three four-point shots for 13 points on top of three rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine dealt the guest team Macau Black Knights a second straight loss after taking a 116-109 win late Saturday at the same venue.
The victory allowed the Elasto Painters to set their sights on the anticipated clash with Bol Bol and the TNT Tropang 5G on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Yeng Guiao had made many descriptions of how Bol will be a massive problem for him, his team and the rest of the field. Now the Elasto Painters are going to test how that holds true, or otherwise.
“Playing TNT, and not having seen them play with Bol Bol, I think, gives them some sort of an advantage,” Guiao said. “At the same time, because they’ve seen us play, we also look at it as an advantage on our part for them to be playing their first game, because I’m sure there’s going to be some adjustments on their part also.
“I’m sure Bol Bol is going to be feeling out the game and making some adjustments so that be an advantage for us, him not being able to familiarize and acclimatize himself with the local game. So it cuts both ways. It could be an advantage or disadvantage,” he added.
