By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

SAW themselves finally go over the hump in Game Three of their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Sunday, the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters will try to take cue from that as they trek back for the fourth game of the joust against the San Miguel Beermen today at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Taking the third game, 92-90, the Fuel Masters, the top seeds heading into the playoffs, seek to level the series with the Beermen with a victory in their scheduled 7 p.m. contest.

Last time around, Phoenix showed unflappable determination and willed itself to the victory despite another imposing challenge from defending champion San Miguel.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair between the two teams in Game Three before the Fuel Masters made a late move in the end.

San Miguel still had a chance to win the game with 15 seconds to go after Phoenix forward JC Intal missed two free throws. But a three-point attempt by guard Chris Ross after did not connect while the desperation heave by Von Pessumal off a rebound also was to no avail, preserving the win for the Fuel Masters.

Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright finished with 18 points apiece for the Fuel Masters. Mr. Abueva also had 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals for yet another superb all-around performance.

Justin Chua and RJ Jazul chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively.

For San Miguel it was June Mar Fajardo who showed the way with 22 points and 19 rebounds, followed by Alex Cabagnot with 18 points.

Christian Standhardinger and Terrence Romeo each had 16 points for the Beermen, who played sans gunner Marcio Lassiter in Game Three, reportedly because of back spasm.

While happy with the victory, Phoenix coach Louie Alas underscored that the game was further proof that they have to be at their best for the full time every game if they are to beat powerhouse San Miguel.

“It’s going to be a 48-minute battle with San Miguel each. We have to be ready each time. Good thing today we were able to put up a fight all the way down to the last second,” a relieved Mr. Alas said in the postgame press conference following Game Three.

He went on to say that they will continue to work on their defense for today’s game so as to put themselves in a better spot to compete.

“Our goal is to limit them to below 100 points. If they go beyond that our chances of winning drop,” Mr. Alas said.

Meanwhile, in the other best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association semifinal pairing yesterday, the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok were trying to level things at 2-2 with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters after finally booking a win in Game Three previously.

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