Fuel Masters unleash Earlington

MANILA, Philippines — Can new import Marcellus Earlington finish what BJ Johnson started and further fuel Phoenix’ drive for the crucial stages of the PBA Governors’ Cup?

Earlington is taking over from Johnson as the Fuel Masters rev up for a five-way fight for the three quarterfinal tickets that are still up for grabs in Group B.

Johnson, who averaged 30.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and led Phoenix to a 4-3 record, was signed until August only and had to leave during the long break to honor his prior commitment with Russian club Parma BC.

And now the task falls on Earlington, a 6-4 3/4 power forward who’s described as an “inside player” in the mold of Allen Durham.

The 26-year-old New Yorker, who accounted for solid numbers of 22.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists for Ironi Nahariya in the Israeli league, debuts tonight as Phoenix resumes its bid against Meralco (4-5) at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

It’s an absolute must-win in the 7:30 p.m. main gig pitting two squads seeking to keep their spots inside the Magic 4 and ultimately follow pacesetting Magnolia (6-3) into the next round.