Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Star vs NLEX
6:45 p.m. – Meralco vs San Miguel
Rain or Shine stayed in the hunt for the twice-to-beat advantage after beating Blackwater, 122-98, yesterday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import J’Nathan Bullock had 30 points and eight rebounds even as Raymond Almazan produced 20 points and six rebounds to give the Elasto Painters a 7-4 record after the elimination round.
The Elasto Painters’ chances of gaining the quarterfinal bonus are not within their hands, though, as they need the help of other teams to achieve that goal.
San Miguel, NLEX and TNT KaTropa are tied for third at 7-3, with the latter facing Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the second game of the Petron Saturday Special being played at presstime.
Blackwater finished the eliminations with a 5-6 record, and will take on the top seed in the quarterfinals which starts Tuesday, needing to win twice to secure an upset.
Meantime, Meralco shoots for the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals while San Miguel seeks a twice-to-beat advantage when they clash tonight in the final elimination round playdate.
The Bolts and the Beermen face off at 6:45 p.m. in what could be a preview of either the semifinals or finals, depending on the placings of both teams going in the playoffs of the season-ending conference.
NLEX and Star meet in the 4:30 p.m. opener with the winner likely to secure a quarterfinal bonus.
Meralco would secure a twice-to-beat advantage last night if Barangay Ginebra San Miguel beats TNT KaTropa in their game being played at presstime.
Ginebra and Meralco share the lead at 8-2, but the latter gets the top seed by virtue of its victory over the former in the elims last July 23.
First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 122 – Bullock 30, Almazan 20, Norwood 15, Ahanmisi 12, Daquioag 11, Trollano 11, Belga 5, King 5, Matias 4, Ponferada 3, Borboran 2, Maiquez 2, Robles 2, Cruz 0, Tiu 0.
BLACKWATER 98 – Maliksi 29, Walker 21, Canaleta 15, Erram 14, DiGregorio 9, Sumang 6, Belo 2, Sena 2, Cruz 0, Marcelo 0, Miranda 0, Pinto 0.
Quarters: 30-21; 57-56; 89-77; 122-98.