PBA GC QF 1 TNT vs 8 Phoenix

Can the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters stop the TNT Katropa juggernaut? Can Eugene “El Destructor” Phelps muscle his way against TNT’s formidable frontline? Can Simon Enciso hold his own against the supernatural Jayson Castro?

It is definitely going to be an uphill climb for the Fuel Masters, with TNT in a groove that has helped them land 1st place in the elimination round after winning 10 games versus 1 loss. Whatever buttons Coach Jong Uichico has pushed, it appears to have definitely worked in his favor after TNT's woeful exit last conference.

Here is our take on the match-ups:


PG Jayson Castro/ Kris Rosales vs Simon Enciso/ Josh Urbiztondo
Enciso is enjoying a “breakout” of sorts with Phoenix after being traded from NLEX; now averaging 29mpg 10ppg 2rpg 4apg under head coach Ariel Vanguardia. Still, we are not too sure if he is enough to keep Castro (32/22/4/8) at bay. We are also worried that once Enciso runs out of gas, it will force Coach Ariel to go with smaller guys Chico Lanete or even Marvin Cruz which is not a match-up you’d want versus a big power guard like Castro.
Adv. TNT

SG Ryan Reyes vs Cyrus Baguio/ Josh UrbiztondoIf Castro were Michael Jordan, then Reyes (23/7/4/1) would undoubtedly be his Scottie Pippen. Whatever Castro lacks, or cannot do on the court, Reyes fills-in on a high level. While Castro is usually stationed up top, Reyes will park in the corners for any possible kickout trey. Defense is where Reyes takes the cake however, and he will get to prove it again in this series versus Baguio (28/10/3/3) and Urbiztondo (17/7/1/2). As good as Phelps has been for Phoenix, the wins have come when either of the two guards mentioned enjoy solid outings alongside El Destructor. In the knockout match versus Rain or Shine, Urbiztondo waxed hot. In other games, it was Baguio who was either scoring or facilitating.
Adv. TNT

SF Mike Madanly vs JC Intal/ Gwan Hee LeeWho breeds better basketball players? Middle East or Southeast? This should be a nice, solid player match-up given both players’ sound fundamentals. Madanly enjoys a big advantage however, since he is the more proven of the two and FIBA Asia-tested. Intal needs to recover from his injury fast if Phoenix wants to salvage their season since Madanly has shown that he can be relied upon to win games should Castro be hampered.
Adv. TNT

PF Ranidel de Ocampo vs Willy WilsonWilson (28/6/6/2) is our guy, him being DLSU and us being LSGH born and bred. But he is looking at De Ocampo (28/12/6/2), Troy Rosario (23/10/5/1), 1x PBA MVP Kelly Williams, Moala Tautuaa AND Harvey Carey. His only hope is that TNT will be occupied with trying to limit Phelps, giving him a lot of weak side looks.
Adv. TNT

C Mychal Ammons vs Eugene PhelpsIn other leagues, Phelps would still be a monster/ star player while Ammons would most likely be counted on to be a solid contributor. That is the difference between the two players. Ammons is skilled, but Phelps’ genius is unparalleled in this conference. TNT’s best shot at stopping El Destructor is to literally send help, from RdO to all the other forwards mentioned above.
Adv. Phoenix

X-factor: Troy Rosario

Prediction: TNT