By Jonas Terrado
Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Meralco
6:45 p.m. – Blackwater vs Alaska
Blackwater and Alaska dispute the third quarterfinals berth and join a three-way logjam for the lead even as Meralco and Rain or Shine fight for survival today in a pair of crucial matches in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco and Rain or Shine meet in the 4:30 p.m. opener with the winner reviving a fading chance of securing a top eight finish before Blackwater and Alaska clash at 6:45 p.m. for a chance at joining Magnolia and defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on top of the standings.
The Elite and Aces currently share joint third at 6-2, half-game behind 7-2 teams Magnolia and Ginebra and half-game ahead of fifth-running Phoenix (6-3).
That is why the result of today’s main offering will make the race the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters even more complicating as the elimination round of the season-ending conference enters the final two weeks.
The race for the bottom four spots is also a neck-to-neck affair, with Meralco reviving its bid following back-to-back victories.
Meralco improved to 3-6 after Friday’s 94-88 victory over Magnolia at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
By pulling off a stunning upset of the Hotshots, the Bolts are at presstime within pace of sixth place TNT KaTropa (4-4), NLEX Road Warriors (4-5) and San Miguel Beermen (3-4).
TNT and San Miguel were playing at presstime in their Petron Saturday Special affair in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
Playing its third consecutive playdate, Rain or Shine will attempt to pick up the pieces anew after absorbing a shock 100-84 defeat to Columbian Dyip, also in Antipolo.
The defeat sent the Elasto Painters down to 10th place at 2-5, but can still get themselves back in the hunt with a victory over the Bolts.
Alaska will be banking on import Mike Harris, Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel against Blackwater reinforcement Henry Walker, Poy Erram, Paul Zamar and Mike DiGregorio.
Reigning Best Import Allen Durham powers the Bolts against counterpart Terrence Watson, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood and Maverick Ahanmisi of the Elasto Painters.
