TWO heavyweights go on a collision course, with second-running Alaska meeting third-placed Rain or Shine in the resumption of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
The No. 2 Aces (7-1), armed with a four-game winning streak, and the No. 3 Elasto Painters (6-2), will figure in an all-important tussle at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams fighting for a Top 2 finish.
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In the curtain-raiser, Barako Bull (4-4) looks to formalize its entry into the quarterfinals as it faces Blackwater (1-7), which will try to stay alive, at 4:15 p.m.
With the two outright semifinal berths still up for grabs, the Aces and the Painters are expected to go all out against each other in this pivotal contest.
League-leading San Miguel Beer, which is half-a-game ahead of Alaska for first place with its pace-setting 8-1 slate, is already halfway getting the first of two outright semis tickets.
As the playoffs are fast approaching and he elimination round winds down to its final stage, Alaska coach Alex Compton believes that his team is peaking at the right time. He wants his Aces to come out on top against the Painters.
‘’I think we’re getting even better and we’re doing a good job this conference,’’ said Compton. ‘’In our league, you take any win you can get and hopefully we can have another one against Rain or Shine.’’
The Aces were challenged by lowly Meralco in their last outing, but still emerged victorious, 88-86, to win their fourth straight, while the Elasto Painters were tripped by Talk ‘N Text, 95-85, in its last game.
Currently at No. 7, Barako Bull is in a fairly good place, but to certify its entry to the next round, it still needs one more win and it is hoping it can get the job done against Blackwater.
The Energy will be entering this contest with a lot of momentum after hacking out a hard-earned 105-98 overtime upset win over the Tropang Texters last week.
Barako Bull coach Koy Banal said they are looking to improve their ranking.
‘’We’re treating our last games with a lot of sense of urgency. We need to be in the best possible position,’’ said Banal, hoping that his squad can crack into the Top 6 to earn a twice-to-beat incentive instead of a disadvantage in the next round.
As for the Elite, who lost, 102-94, in overtime against Barangay Ginebra last Saturday, it is still in the running to make the playoffs, but it needs to win all of its remaining games to have a chance.
Right now, it is in ninth place and trails eighth-placer Mahindra by only half-game for the final quarterfinals berth.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs, Barako Bull
7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs. Alaska