PBA: Charles Tiu lets loose on Phoenix after loss: ‘We sucked’

Phoenix coach Charles Tiu looks on during a game against Blackwater in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix coach Charles Tiu was baffled at the way his team squandered a lead entering the fourth quarter before falling to Blackwater, 106-100, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters were ahead by nine after three quarters when Tiu saw his squad go on a huge downturn and allow the Bossing to mount a big comeback that enabled them to snap a three-game skid.

“It’s mind-boggling,” a visibly upset Tiu said upon emerging from the dugout. “We forgot how to play basketball, I don’t know what we were doing.”

READ: PBA: Blackwater rallies to get back at Blackwater, stop slide

Blackwater clamped down on defense while knocking down key shots that left Phoenix in defeat despite a 45-point performance from import BJ Johnson.

Despite his big night, Johnson also missed crucial shots down the stretch.

“We choked, we collapsed and we sucked,” said Tiu, whose squad led by as many as 15 late in the third quarter. “With respect to Blackwater, we really needed this game, now we’re going to have to earn it.”

The Fuel Masters dropped to a tie for the lead with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Group B at 4-2.

READ: PBA: Phoenix turns back Blackwater, tops group after first round

The two teams will also meet on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the winner gaining ground in the standings.

“We need to find a way to win, to be physical, to stop [Rain or Shine import Aaron] Fuller, because they bullied us,” said Tiu.

“Hopefully we won’t be soft, we want to change our mindset. We just have to be tougher, especially in tough physical competition.”