By JONAS TERRADO
The chase for the remaining quarterfinal slots could be a wacky one as the PBA Governors’ Cup enters the final six playdates of the eliminations.
Five teams are already in while defending champion Magnolia is all but assured of making the next phase, leaving the rest of the field in survival mode.
Seventh-running Columbian controls its playoff destiny, NorthPort and Alaska are in tight spots, while Rain or Shine, Phoenix Pulse, and Blackwater fighting for survival heading into the homestretch.
But with most of the aforementioned teams facing teams at the top, those that can punch their tickets to the quarters may rely more on other’s misfortune than their getting a win that can help them create some separation.
“It’s a 50-50 chance but it depends on the remaining games of the other teams,” said Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel about his team’s playoff chances.
The Dyip hold a 4-6 record with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as their final elimination round assignment. An upset win may be enough to secure their place in the quarters but there’s a likelihood that a loss won’t hurt their chances of making the final eight.
NorthPort enters Sunday’s match against second-ranked Meralco needing a win to stay above pace of Alaska. The Batang Pier carried a 3-5 record when they take on the Bolts at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
A win puts NorthPort in a tie with Columbian but a loss put them at level terms with Alaska, which after a 0-5 start has picked up three wins out of the last four.
Alaska carries a 3-6 record ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Phoenix, which is in danger of missing another playoff spot with a 2-7 mark. The Fuel Masters also play the Blackwater Elite on two days later.
Rain or Shine kept its chances alive after a stunning out-of-town victory over San Miguel Beer in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. At 3-7, the Elasto Painters have an outside chance of sneaking a quarters berth.
Problem is Rain or Shine will have to get past another fancied team in Meralco on its last elims campaign slated Nov. 17. Blackwater has a very minimal chance of gaining a quarters seat with its 2-8 card but a miracle is now a far-fetched idea.
