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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Phoenix seeks share of lead; SMB makes debut

Phoenix seeks share of lead; SMB makes debut

Published Mar 20, 2026 01:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Coming off a 2-0 start to the mid-season conference, the Fuel Masters are aiming to sustain the hot start against the Bolts in the main event at 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix guns for a share of the lead when it tangles with Meralco while all-Filipino champion San Miguel open its campaign against Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, March 21.
Coming off a 2-0 start to the mid-season conference, the Fuel Masters are aiming to sustain the hot start against the Bolts in the main event at 7:30 p.m.
Setting the table to the interesting duel is the clash between the Beermen and the still winless Giant Risers in the first offering at 5:15 p.m.
While most are shocked with how seamlessly the Fuel Masters have adjusted under new coach Charles Tiu, the team actually was the least surprised with how well they are playing so far.
“As a coach, we try to envision ourselves winning every game. Of course, it's still somewhat unexpected because we were able to upset Magnolia. So we're just thankful that we're 2-0, but I believe in this team,” said Tiu.
“I really believe in the players that we have, and I think we can compete with every team, at least give ourselves a chance to win every game. That's all we're asking, to fight every game. So far, the players have been responding and they've been playing very well,” he added.
So far, Phoenix has stunned Magnolia, 101-98, and then turned back Titan, 109-76 with guys like Ricci Rivero, Evan Nelle, Kai Ballungay and Jason Perkins all thriving under the new system alongside import James Dickey III. 
Meralco, however, is certainly not a pushover, especially looking at its 109-88 win over Converge. In that game, all-stars CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome spearheaded the assault together with import Marvin Jones.
Meanwhile in the second game, the Beermen are hoping they get the right import in Marcus Lee to pair with June Mar Fajardo. For one, after ruling the Philippine Cup, SMB is on track for a shot at a possible Grand Slam.
Aside from the towering frontline, SMB is also parading an intact crew led by CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Don Trollano, Chris Ross and Jericho Cruz.
Titan Ultra, on the other hand, after trading away scoring leader Calvin Abueva during the offseason, is still groping for form after dropping its first two games.
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