GLOBALPORT and Phoenix look to nail vital wins that will strengthen their positions in the magic eight as the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round draws closer to the homestretch at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Batang Pier take on Kia Picanto in the first game at 4:30 p.m., while the Fuel Masters play Blackwater in the main tussle at 7 p.m. in a pair of matches that could complicate the race for the 4th to 8th quarterfinal spots.
Both the Batang Pier and the Fuel Masters are in the magic eight, the former at number 7 and the latter at number 8, on identical 4-5 win-loss slates.
Victories by Globalport and Phoenix will solidify their positions, while leaving Talk ‘N Text, Meralco and Blackwater in great danger of getting ousted right away.
With still three more playing dates left after today’s double-header, a number of possibilities could still ensue, since aside from Globalport and Phoenix, three more teams—Talk ‘N Text, Meralco and Blackwater—are still in contention.
The Texters, the Bolts and the Elite are tied for 9th to 11th places at 4-6, and are half a game behind Phoenix.
Globalport and and Phoenix have no other options but to corner these wins today, so that their meeting on Friday would be reduced into game determining their final placings.
Good thing for the Batang Pier and the Fuel Masters, they both defeated Talk ‘N Text, and that they are likely to retain their positions in the magic eight even if the Texters get to tie them with a win over NLEX on Feb 28.
The Batang Pier, however, have better give their best, especially since they are up against a Kia team that can only be expected to play hard its role as spoiler.
“We need to play hard tomorrow (today). No room to relax,” said coach Pido Jarencio.
Kia has long been out of the playoffs hunt and got even more mired at the cellar following a 76-95 loss to Blackwater.
“Despite our situation we remain unperturbed and defiant as we go all out to get a win,” said Kia coach Ricky Dandan. “And, yes, win one for Tita Ging and coach Joe.”
The Picanto are not a team that should be taken lightly despite their 1-8 slate as they have the tools in the likes of Rashawn McCarthy, Jackson Corpuz, JayR Reyes, Eric Camson and Ronald Tubid among others who could deliver on a given day.
Games today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. — Kia vs. Globalport
7 p.m. — Blackwater vs. Phoenix