WITH just eight to nine solid players on his rotation for the first three games of the PBA on Tour, Phoenix Fuel Masters coach Jamike Jarin is just happy to see his bunch of reserves gut it out while the veterans are still taking a break.

Filipino American forward Jason Perkins is still in the United States to be with his stepfather, while Javee Mocon is on vacation.

In their absence though, veteran slotman Raul Soyud, Larry Muyang, Chris Lalata, Jayjay Alejandro and even preseason pickup Daniel Atienza are doing their share to help Phoenix register a 2-1 record in the exhibition series.

“I’m very happy with the fighting heart of my players. With 28 assists in the game, you’ll be very happy,” Jarin told The Manila Times, whose team suffered its first loss last Friday via a 113-104 decision to Rain or Shine.

Jarin admitted his players didn’t have the legs to keep up with the Elasto Painters, who are one of the youngest squads in the league today.

“We couldn’t defend their transition offense consistently,” explained Jarin, a reason why he gave his team a twoday break over the weekend, before resuming practice on Monday.

While the PBA On Tour games had no bearing, being mere exhibition series, Jarin reiterated to his wards that the matches will give his team the opportunity to work on its chemistry and improve the players’ skills.

Phoenix will have a few more days to prepare before returning to action on Friday against NLEX.