TEAMS in the middle and lower half of the standings plunge to action with a must-win situation facing them in the homestretch of the elimination round of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Streaking Phoenix Petroleum (4-4) wants to continue its rise as it shoots for a third straight victory, taking on cellar-dweller Blackwater (1-7) at 4:15 p.m. as the action goes to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Wednesday.
What follows is a crucial tiff between inconsistent squads Alaska and GlobalPort, both on the outside looking in with their similar 3-5 marks, at 7 p.m.
With prolific import Eugene Phelps, Phoenix has been on a tear as of late, winning its last two games and putting itself in a good position to clinch its first playoffs’ appearance in just its second conference as franchise in the league.
Phoenix rookie coach Ariel Vanguardia is glad to see his team rise to the occasion and perform well at this juncture. He is hoping that the Fuel Masters can sustain their run in this critical stage of the tournament.
“Slowly but surely, the team is maturing. Hopefully, we are peaking at the right time,” he said.
Aside from putting a foot in the quarterfinals, the Fuel Masters can also move up to fifth place should they list another win.
They last drubbed Star, 106-93, last Friday in an impressive rout with Phelps exploding for 45 points.
Mathematically, the Elite, who were clobbered by the Aces, 107-87, 10 days ago, still have a shot of at least forcing a playoff for a quarters berth but it will take a lot for it to be able to be in that position at this stage.
Blackwater will parade a new import in Keala King as it decided to replace in ineffective and injury-plagues Eric Dawson.
Games Today
(Ynares Center, Antipolo City):
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs. Phoenix
7 p.m. – GlobalPort vs. Alaska