ONCE again, the two best teams in the last two seasons of the Philippine Basketball Association are set to cross paths with a lot on the line.
A much-awaited rematch of last season’s finale lies ahead as powerhouse teams San Miguel Beer and Alaska clash again at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with a lot at stake in the homestretch of the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup elimination round.
These teams aren’t the only ones craving for a huge win as Rain or Shine is also set to go all-out against already eliminated cellar-dweller Meralco (1-9) in their 4:15 p.m. clash to likewise shoot for a better chance of finishing in the top two.
The defending champion Beermen (9-1), who are currently the league’s pace-setter, are looking to lock the top seed and clinch a Top 2 finish, while the Aces and the Elasto Painters, currently tied at No. 2 with their similar 7-2 slates, are also in dire need of a win as they also would like to crack the first two slots.
The Top 2 finishers after the eliminations will earn an express pass to the semifinals and that’s a privilege the top three teams are aiming at, making their games today crucial.
Though San Miguel is comfortably holding the No. 1 rank at the moment, it is still not assured of a Top 2 finish and it can seal the top seed and a semis berth with a win over Alaska.
Beermen coach Leo Austria is well aware of this.
“Hindi pa kami automatic sa semis kaya we still need to win against Alaska,’’ said Austria. “Kailangan ma-match naming iyong intensity ng Alaska. Must-win din sila kaya ine-expect namin na ibibigay nila lahat. We need to keep our focus.’’
San Miguel remains as the league’s hottest team, coming in armed with an impressive seven-game winning streak with the last one coming at the expense of rival Talk ‘N Text last Saturday, a dominant 97-84 triumph.
On the other hand, both the Aces and the Elasto Painters are neck-to-neck in their battle for No. 2 and a victory in their respective games today is essential for them to have a good shot at a Top 2 conclusion.
There’s more pressure on Alaska to win considering that Rain or Shine holds the tie-breaker in case the eventuality that they end with the same record as the Elasto Painters came up with a huge 111-105 win over the Aces last Friday in their last assignment to force a tie at No. 2.
“That victory was huge for us kasi tabla kami ng Alaska for No. 2 and nakuha namin ‘yung tie-breaker, pero gusto pa rin naming manigurado kaya kailangan maipanalo pa rin ang remaining games namin,’’ said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
The vacation-bound Bolts are in a disappointing season, but they can still play the role of spoiler and derail the Painters’ bid for the second seed.
But Meralco isn’t exactly in its element this conference as it only has one win to show and is on a tail-end of a four-game slide.
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. • Meralco vs.
Rain or Shine
7 p.m. • Alaska vs.
San Miguel