PBA: Tyler Tio says that calmness will be the key to Phoenix Playoff Push

Manila, Philippines – Tyler Tio stays halfway through the PBA Philippine Cup – Elimination Round and remains calm and composed – and he encourages his Phoenix teammates to do the same.

Despite a 2-5 record that has sent fuel masters who walked to the lower half of the rankings, TIO said the team is not yet pressing the panic button.

“I would not say that there is a panic. In these times you have to stay composed and find out what to do to do better. When we panic, we are ready,” Tio said with research sports on Friday evening in Philsports Arena.

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“We rely on our coaching staff. They did a great job for us with scouting and prepare us and it is now up to our players to respond.”

Tio played faithfully to his role as a floor general for the Fuel Masters with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists, but his efforts were not enough when Ginebra won the commander 119-112 victory.

However, the final score does not really tell the whole story.

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At a certain point the gin kings led by no less than 22 points, only for their advantage that the fuel masters deleted in the decreasing times of the fourth quarter.

“We don’t stop playing. That is something I am so proud of in this team, but we don’t want comfort wins. We still lost the game,” Tio said.

“At the end of the day we just have to get better and stay together,” he added.

Despite their second consecutive loss, the fuel masters have a breathing space to work with if the ninth sperm only only half a match behind none other than the defending defender, Meralco, who has a 3-5 card.

Phoenix hopes to jump over the bolts in the Playoff race on Wednesday next week, when the Fuel Masters rain or shine at the same location.