It’s official—Phoenix Fuel Masters are back, and they’re here to remind us just how fun and thrilling Philippine basketball can be. After a jittery 0-2 start, the squad finally hit their groove, stunning title-holders Meralco Bolts in a major way with a 109-97 win in the PBA Philippine Cup. If you’re someone who loves underdog stories with a fiery comeback twist, this one’s for you.
Rediscovering Joy: The Game-Changing Mindset Shift
Things weren’t exactly off to a sunny start for Phoenix this conference. According to head coach Jamike Jarin, the team had been doing everything by the book—arriving early for practice, grinding through extras, and sticking to the playbook. But you know what was missing?
Fun.
Yep, you read that right. After back-to-back losses, the Fuel Masters huddled up and decided to ease the pressure, let go of the “I-need-to-prove-myself” tension, and just enjoy playing ball again. And man, did their vibe shift change everything.
“In our pre-game talk, we just told the guys: let’s have fun,” shared Coach Jarin. “Sometimes, when you’re too focused on perfection, you forget why you started playing in the first place.”
Ricci Rivero Sets the Tone Early
When you need a spark, Ricci Rivero might just be that firestarter. He came out red-hot in the first quarter, dropping 14 points—including three ice-cold triples—that gave Phoenix a commanding 31-13 lead. His energy was contagious, injecting pace and confidence early on.
It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Rivero’s name still rings loud in local hoops: an explosive guard with flair, hustle, and the ability to light up a scoreboard in minutes.
Tyler Tio Joins the Party
Not to be outdone, Tyler Tio followed Rivero’s lead and heated up in the second period with eight crucial points. The Fuel Masters’ offense flowed beautifully, extending the lead to a whopping 23 points at one stage. They headed into halftime sitting pretty with a 58-37 cushion.
It wasn’t just about making baskets. It was about energy, flow, and rhythm—three things Phoenix had been missing until this moment.
Redemption from a Painful Past
This win tasted extra sweet, especially when you consider what happened last year. During their Commissioner’s Cup clash on Nov. 29, Phoenix once again dominated Meralco early on, leading by—you guessed it—23 points, only to lose grip and suffer a heart-wrenching 111-109 defeat.
Fast forward to today? The Fuel Masters weren’t about to repeat that nightmare.
They kept their composure. They matched every Bolt run. And they closed out with maturity and fire. Call it growth, call it redemption—Phoenix proved they’ve learned from their past.
Perkins Back, Culture Intact
Veteran Jason Perkins’ return added more than skills and physicality—it brought stability. Having someone with Perkins’ experience out there served as a calming presence, especially during high-pressure possessions. He may not always fill the stat sheet, but he’s the type of glue guy that championship teams lean on.
Around the League: Converge Bounces Back
Meanwhile, Converge showed they’re not to be counted out just yet. The FiberXers steamrolled Blackwater in a dominant 111-80 statement win. Now sitting at 2-2, they’ve got momentum and a serious chip on their shoulders, while the Bossing continue to struggle without a win so far.
Final Thoughts: Good Vibes, Great Results
There’s something special about watching a team rediscover itself—not just with tactics or buzzer-beaters, but by connecting with the joy of the game. That’s what Phoenix reminded us of in this win.
They weren’t stiff. They weren’t overthinking. They were simply, happily, themselves.
Here’s to hoping the fun stays—and more wins follow.
📌 Be sure to catch more PBA action as the stories keep unfolding. Whether you root for the underdog or the top dog, there’s always something to love about the game.