By Jonas Terrado
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Alaska vs Meralco
7 p.m. – Magnolia vs NorthPort
Teams ranked eighth to 11th seek crucial wins in order to stay on track of the quarterfinal race in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska and Meralco collide in the opener set at 4:30 p.m. before Magnolia takes on NorthPort in the nightcap slated at 7 p.m.
All teams must secure victories or face the prospect of seeing their chances of making the playoffs dwindle.
Tied for eighth are Magnolia and Alaska with identical 3-5 records followed by Meralco at 3-6 and NorthPort at 2-5.
The first game will feature an Alaska squad aiming to end a three-game losing streak and a Meralco side looking to catch a break despite injuries to its veteran players.
Alaska has lost by an average of 17 points during matches against Magnolia (103-86), NLEX (91-70) and TNT KaTropa (92-78).
Coach Alex Compton acknowledged that health remains a major issue for his team with Vic Manuel, Jvee Casio and Kevin Racal out but stressed that he needs to see his roster flash its usual brand of play.
Meralco, on the other hand, is coming off an 88-85 loss to Rain or Shine but coach Norman Black isn’t sure if veteran Ranidel de Ocampo will return after complaining of soreness in his back.
Black said De Ocampo’s presence will be vital if the Bolts want to win their remaining two outings.
Meanwhile, Magnolia is hoping to find silver lining despite losing 97-93 in overtime to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last Sunday.
It may benefit the Hotshots if Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca provide the needed spark like what they did against Ginebra and for Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang to be consistent for coach Chito Victolero.
