PBA: Phoenix coach brushes aside coaching wins vs Tenorio

Phoenix coach Charles Tiu gestures during a game against Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix coach Charles Tiu and Magnolia mentor LA Tenorio are among those who are relatively new to their roles in the PBA.

And so far, Tiu has gotten the better of Tenorio in their head-to-head coaching battles, albeit the small sample size.

“Tsamba lang. (It’s just luck.) I told him to give me a chance because he just had his birthday,” Tiu said in jest after steering the Fuel Masters to a 98-86 win over Tenorio’s Hotshots on Saturday night at Ynares Sports Center in Montalban, Rizal.

“We just got lucky [today]. I’m sure that in the second round, they’d want to bounce back. The team just played well tonight so I give credit to them, they all did their jobs.”

Tiu, just six months into his head coaching job, also guided Phoenix to a 101-98 victory over the Hotshots in his coaching debut with the Fuel Masters last conference.

READ: PBA: Tenorio displeased with Magnolia’s 2nd half woes in opening loss

Tiu, however, seemed like he couldn’t care any less about his coaching record against Tenorio. What he would rather focus on is what’s next for his squad.

What lies ahead for the Fuel Masters doesn’t look like it’s going to be an easy path.

“I think we’re in a tougher group, you guys saw how Blackwater looked against Rain or Shine. There’s also Ginebra and Meralco here.”

“It’s tough for us but it’s part of the PBA. It’s a good challenge for us to see our growth and see where we stand.”

Phoenix takes on Meralco next on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.