The path to the playoffs is narrowing, but Phoenix Super LPG and Terrafirma still have a chance to keep their PBA Philippine Cup dreams alive.

Both teams have struggled, dropping four consecutive games, and now sit tied with Blackwater at the bottom of the 12-team standings with 1-5 records. A win in Wednesday’s (November 12) showdown at Ynares Center in Montalban could reignite hope and momentum for either squad.

Fuel Masters rely on grit and persistence

Phoenix coach Willy Wilson emphasized effort over strategy as the key to turning around their campaign. “Kung tutuusin mo, you can overcome a lot by just being the harder worker on the court,” said Wilson, a former 15-year pro known for his relentless style.

He added that consistent effort can often outweigh talent. “Ina-outwork lang nila ‘yung kalaban. If we can continue being that, maybe we can overachieve.”

The Fuel Masters recently fell to Rain or Shine, 80-91, in a game that highlighted their need to convert hard work into wins. “We’re playing hard every single game. Every single game we’re putting ourselves in a position to have a chance to win the game. Ano lang… sa dulo. Growing pains pa rin iyon,” Wilson said.

The coach stressed that desire and focus would be the deciding factors. “More on desire. How bad do you want it, how bad do you want to win?”

Terrafirma looks to translate confidence into victories

Terrafirma has shown flashes of potential, notably pushing TNT into overtime before eventually losing 95-109 last October 31.

“They’re in it in a lot of games, but then they’re just not finishing games. They have a team that plays with a lot of confidence. There’s a lot of underrated players in that team,” Wilson noted.

With both sides eager to snap their losing streaks, Wednesday’s clash promises a high-stakes contest of intensity, determination, and composure under pressure. A win could be the spark that changes the trajectory of either team’s campaign.