GLOBALPORT seeks to keep its amazing run going when it takes on a Talk ‘N Text team aiming to keep its place in the Top 6 in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game-time is 4:15 p.m.
With an eye on a quarterfinal berth, struggling Star (3-7), which is at No. 9, and Blackwater (2-7), which holds the 10th and last ticket to the playoffs, clash at 7 p.m., trying to stay alive in the hunt for a berth in the quarterfinals.
Fourth-running GlobalPort (7-3) is the league’s hottest team having won four in a row, while the sixth-placed Talk ‘N Text (5-4) is trying to lock the No. 6 seed.
The Hotshots and the Elite, along with No. 11 Mahindra (2-8), are currently involved in a three-team chase for the last two available berths in the quarterfinals.
The Hotshots and the Elite still haven’t clinched a berth in the playoffs, while the Enforcers still have a shot with one more game left in their calendar.
Should Star win, it will clinch No. 9 to advance to the playoffs. The Elite will figure in a knockout game against Mahindra during their last assignments this Sunday.
“We keep telling our players the importance of our last games. Para makapasok kami, we really need to win our remaining games,’’ said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.
On the other hand, if Blackwater comes out victorious, it will enhance its chance of making it and put Star in a dangerous situation. In case of a three-way tie between the Hotshots, the Elite and the Enforcers, the quotient will come into play to determine the two teams that will advance.
The Elite came up with a huge win in their last assignment, posting a surprise 116-92 rout of Barako Bull last week behind Carlo Lastimosa’s career-high 38 points. On the other hand, the Hotshots suffered an 83-101 drubbing at the hands of the Energy last Sunday.
Already in the quarterfinals and assured of a spot in the Top 6 with a twice-to-beat incentive in the next round, the red-hot Batang Pier still aims to keep its winning run going. It wants to finish its elimination round schedule on a high note for much-needed momentum heading into the playoffs.
Currently holding on to the last twice-to-beat incentive at sixth place, Talk ‘N Text cannot afford to slip as it is aiming to keep its spot for a comfortable set-up in the next round.
The Tropang Texters need to prevail in their last two games to ensure their place in the Top 6 and secure an incentive in the quarterfinals. However, should they win only one of their last two games, there is still a chance that they can keep their place at No. 6 depending on how No. 7 Barako Bull ends its campaign.
The Energy (5-5) still have a good chance of stealing the sixth seed from Talk ‘N Text should it win its last assignment against Alaska and the Texters fail to win both their last games (against GlobalPort and Ginebra).
In case of a tie, Barako Bull holds the tie-breaker after it defeated Talk ‘N Text in their encounter this elimination round.
Games Friday
Smart Araneta Coliseum:
4:15 p.m. – Talk ‘N Text
vs. GlobalPort
7 p.m. – Star vs. Blackwater
