IT’S all about the tale of opposite directions as the league’s best and worst teams go on a collision course in the homestretch of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The two frontrunners finally cross paths as league-leading Meralco (7-2) puts its top rank on the line against second-placer Alaska (6-3) at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, even as lower-tier squads Phoenix (3-6) and GlobalPort (2-8) meet at 4:15 p.m.
The Bolts are currently having one of their best runs in their five-year stint in the PBA and another win will further enhance their chance of finishing in the Top 2, where they will earn a twice-to-beat edge in the next round as well as close in on the top seed.
“Our last win kept us in first place and it feels good at this point,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. “We’re hoping to get more wins to claim a spot in the top two.”
But that will not be the easiest task as they will have to go through the battle-tested Aces, who are also chasing a win to tie the Bolts and strengthen their bid for a Top 2 finish as well.
“It’s the crucial stretch now and we need to play even better to put ourselves in the best possible position,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
Meanwhile, already packed with firepower, San Miguel Beer boosted its offensive prowess even more with the entry of streak-shooting Gary David into its roster.
David told his manager Danny Espiritu that it was the SMB management, which called him up to acquire his services, after his falling out with the Meralco Bolts.
David was suspended for one game by Meralco for refusing to enter a game. He was later released by the Bolts as an unrestricted free agent.
The former Lyceum Pirate will have to fight for his playing time inside a crowded SMB guard rotation.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Globalport
vs. Phoenix
7 p.m. – Alaska vs. Meralco