IT IS not surprising that the Phoenix Petroleum has been playing like a certified playoff team. After all, majority of its players belong to reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion Far Eastern University (FEU) and some of them has had experience playing in this league.
The first few games reflected the potential of the team and observers believed the team could make it all the way to the title series, considering its bench depth.
But Coach Eric Gonzales is a bit worried their overconfidence might lead his chargers to the wrong direction. In their last two games, he has called the attention of his players for messing up with the game and taking their opponents lightly.
“I kept reminding the players that we should not be complacent. This is a different league. You’ve got to respect every opponent, whether it’s yellow or red or blue,” Gonzales said.
The Accelerators better listen to their coach sooner than later because their succeeding assignments will not be as easy as their first three games.
It starts on Monday against Caida Tiles, a team that should be a litmus test for the Accelerators, who are looking to win their fourth straight to tie idle CaféFrance on top of the standings.
“Medyo mabigat. We really don’t know. Para kasi kaming seesaw, up and down,” replied Gonzles when asked about their chances against the Tile Masters. “I just hope he could keep up with them. I kept telling the players the things we can control, lets control.”
Certainly, the Accelerators can’t afford to relax against the Tile Masters, who are aching to bounce back from a disheartening loss last week. Caida Tiles is coming off a 90-87 loss against CaféFrance last Thursday. It was the first loss for the Tile Masters after a three-game streak.
The Accelerators and the Tile Masters clash at 4 p.m. following the 2 o’clock encounter between University of the Philippines/QRS JAM Liner and Mindanao Aguilas at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Maroons are tied with idle Tanduay Rhum Masters at 2-2, while the Aguilas remain winless after three games.