![Phoenix Fuel Masters PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/01/IMG_0128_PBA-commissioners-cup-quarterfinals-Phoenix-Meralco_Phoenix-Fuelmasters-620x413.jpg)
Phoenix Fuel Masters during PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — It's a story as old as time. A giant figure is challenged by an unlikely warrior.
Goliath had David, Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier.
In the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals, Phoenix will play the same underdog role against league stalwarts Magnolia.
„They're the favorites before the conference even started, so we had our hands full. They did their job last time, so they're very well rested,“ Phoenix coach Jamike Jarrin said after the game. Won against Meralco 88-84 Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
„Credit doesn't go to me. Credit goes to everyone. We all worked hard, especially the guy to my left (Jason Perkins). They gave me a nice will show you…the fairy tale continues.”
Djarin was never wrong when he talked about Magnolia.
The Hotshots were the clear favorites before the conference started after a dominant preseason performance.
Magnolia, headlined by locals Paul Lee, Gio Jalalon, Mark Barocca and James Laputo, had an 11-game winning streak on tour in the PBA.
As if that wasn't enough, coach Tito Victorero gushed about the imported gem: tyler bey Commissioner's Cup, where the Hotshots won their first seven games. Equivalent to the franchise's best start.
Magnolia played like a well-oiled machine and was in first place at the end of the elimination round with a record of 9 wins and 2 losses.
But while the Hotshots were expected to take the top seed, the young Fuel Masters appeared out of nowhere and found themselves in the top spot.
![Phoenix Fuel Masters Coach Jaymike Jarrin PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/01/IMG_0550_PBA-commissioners-cup-quarterfinals-Phoenix-Meralco_Coach-Jamike-Jarin-620x413.jpg)
![Phoenix Fuel Masters Coach Jaymike Jarrin PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/01/IMG_0550_PBA-commissioners-cup-quarterfinals-Phoenix-Meralco_Coach-Jamike-Jarin-620x413.jpg)
Phoenix Fuel Masters Coach Jamike Jarrin – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
„We shouldn't be here. At the start of the conference, no one expected us to be in the top four. We're really happy to have made it to the semifinals and we're going to keep working harder. I hope we can continue to play well and hopefully win some games,” Jarrin said.
“The pressure is on them, but they have very good players and a very good head coach in Coach Tito. We’ll watch and prepare and give them our best.”
After losing in triple overtime to the Bolts, Phoenix relied on Jonathan Williams and Jason Perkins, who combined for 40 points and 29 rebounds, to help Meralco survive four nights and return home.
But while both players have been impressive for the Fuel Masters, Perkins believes Jarrin deserves a lot of credit for the team's success.
„We're just following coach JayMike's guidance. As he always says, we're a very young team and we get very emotional. Even as an older guy, we can make mistakes. It's a lot and it's emotional at times, but Coach JayMike helps us get back on track,“ Perkins said.
„I wish there was a Coach of the Year award in the PBA because he would definitely be in there. I hope he gets recognized because he's doing a great job,“ he added.