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Fuel Masters gunning for 1st semifinal stint; Aces looking to turn table on the Beermen

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Matthew Wright of the Phoenix Fuel Masters goes for a ride against the Blackwater Elite. (PBA Images)

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by Jonas Terrado

Games Today (Cuneta Astrodome)
4:30 pm – Meralco vs Phoenix
7 p.m. – Alaska vs. San Miguel

Phoenix Fuel aims for another breakthrough moment in its life while it is still alive and kicking it up against the backdrop of San Miguel Beer when they take a break at the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The second-ranked Fuel Masters are eager to strike midnight on the No. 7 Meralco Bolts in the 4:30 p.m. curtainraiser while the No. 3 seed Aces seek to weather the strong challenge of the sixth-place Beermen in the 7 p.m.

Both Phoenix and Alaska carry a double-to-beat advantage as a reward for finishing the elimination round the top oven.

Phoenix a first ever stint since the franchise bought the Barako Bull franchise two years ago.

Behind import Eugene Phelps, Calvell Abueva, Matthew Wright and LA Revilla, Phoenix Posted on May 8th, 2012

Wright believes that getting the double-to-beat bonus is only the beginning of brighter things to come.

"We're not just thinking playoffs, we're thinking finals and we're thinking of championships," Wright said.

But before they get ahead of themselves, the Fuel Masters are bracing for a determined challenge from the Bolts, who survived a 1-6 start by winning their final four games to claim to quarters berth.

Reigning Best Import Allen Durham, Chris Newsome, Baser Amer and Meralco's Cliff Hodge lead to a knockout match on Friday.

Meanwhile, coach Alex Compton and the Aces are probably getting revised by the lingering effects of the series of finals defeats suffered against the Beermen between 2015 to 2016.

But Alaska is keen on capitalizing on the twice-to-beat edge of gaining traction. an injured shin.

Compton will bank on Mike Harris, Chris Banchero, Simon Enciso and Vic Manuel to beat the talent-laden Beermen who are powered by high-scoring Kevin Murphy and Best Player of the Conference contender Christian Standhardinger.

Tags: Alaska vs. San Miguel, Alex Compton, Calvin Abueva, Chris Newsome, Christian Standhardinger, PBA, June Mar Fajardo, PBA

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