Still feeling its high-level of play, Blackwater seeks to reclaim a piece of leadership when it shoots for a third straight win in the homestretch of the elimination round of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The consistent Elite (6-1), riding a two-game winning run, can once again force joint first place when it takes on fellow top-tier squad Magnolia (5-1), winner of three in a row, in an anticipated showdown at 7 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City tonight.
Both their winning streaks are on the line as they are bound to go separate directions.
In the curtain-raiser, a critical clash between Phoenix (5-2) and NLEX (4-3), teams in the middle of the pack, takes place at 4:30 p.m. with both teams eyeing to take a step closer to securing a berth in the next round.
Blackwater can formally clinch a berth in the quarterfinals should it continue its rampage. It can likewise tie Barangay Ginebra, the first team through to the next phase, at the top again.
Also in a good spot to finish inside the top four, the Elite is not about to be contented in just making the quarters.
“We’re in good shape of making the quarterfinals. I think we only need to win one more for that but also, we’re looking at staying in the top four,” said Blackwater coach Bong Ramos.
Teams which will end up in the top four after the single-round eliminations will have a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.
The Hotshots hope they can likewise stay hot as they go for a fourth straight win when they take on against the Elite, who they can overtake should they triumph.
Blackwater edged out Rain or Shine, 99-93, in its last outing this past Sunday while, Magnolia hammered Columbian, 113-95, last week.
Stuck in the middle, the Fuel Masters and the Road Warriors both have the same goal—and that is to keep in-step with the teams above them.