Two teams in dire need of a victory to boost their chances of making it to the quarterfinals go at it in a pivotal encounter as the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup goes out of town once again for its Saturday offering.
Crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra (4-4) is hoping to entertain the crowd while trying to get back on track as it takes on lowly Blackwater’s (1-6) challenge at 5 p.m. when they square off at the AUF Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga today.
After seeing its three-game winning streak snapped, the Gin Kings are now in a must-win situation to maintain their place in middle of the pack.
Should they win again, they will move up to solo sixth place and enhance their shot at securing a berth in the next round.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone is wary of the test that Blackwater will provide for his team.
“Every game is different and this is another challenge for us. We’ll just try to play as a unit so we can have a good shot of getting the win,’’ said Cone.
Rain or Shine sent Barangay Ginebra back to earth with a resounding 94-86 victory last Sunday.
While Ginebra is in the thick of things in the middle, Blackwater is in survival mode as it is currently at 11th place.
It would need to get back up and win at least three of its four remaining games to avoid getting eliminated and advance into the magic 10.
The last time out, the Elite also suffered the same fate. Like Ginebra, it also tasted a rude welcome at the hands of GlobalPort, 120-105, also last Sunday.
For tomorrow, the PBA goes back to Manila with a solid double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ailing teams Star and Mahindra, who are tied at ninth and 10th spots with similar 2-6 marks, will figure in a crucial battle at 3 p.m. to determine which team will earn a much needed victory.
In the main event, Rain or Shine (6-1), who can once again gain a first place tie with a win, has a date with Talk ‘N Text (4-3) at 5:15 p.m.
All these teams playing this weekend are seeking to gain better positioning as the homestretch of the elimination round fast approaches.
Game Saturday
(AUF Cultural Center – Angeles City, Pampanga)
5 p.m. – Barangay Ginebra vs. Blackwater
