As the PBA Commissioner’s Cup reaches the tail-end of the elimination round, all teams are scrambling to get to the quarterfinals and get the coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
The top four teams after the elimination round will only need to win once in the quarterfinals to book a seat in the semi-finals.
Those in places 5th to 8th will have the daunting task of needing to win twice in a row.
Currently, the NLEX Road Warriors and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are in the top spot with eight wins against two losses. Both teams have two more matches in the elimination round.
Bolts post big win over Gin Kings
Barangay Ginebra are third with a 7-3 win-loss card followed by Meralco with a 6-3 slate. The Gin Kings failed to move up the standings on Friday night after a 91-112 setback at the hands of the Bolts.
Coming off five straight wins, the Gin Kings were unable to ride that momentum and just could not get things going in the game.
The Bolts’ hot shooting from the outside and tough defense prevented any late rally from Ginebra as the lead ballooned in the fourth quarter.
Despite the loss, Ginebra remains on track of their goal of reaching the Top Four but will need to win their matches against Rain or Shine and Talk ’N Text to prevent any complications in the standings.
The league will break all ties via quotient as there will be no playoff games.
The Gin Kings sorely missed the services of big man Japeth Aguilar, who was out due to an injury.
Reports said it is still unsure if he will be able to suit up in their next game on Sunday against Rain or Shine. It will be a huge game for both squads as they eye the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
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Phoenix edge TNT in overtime
Phoenix Super LPG proved to be the steadier team in overtime as they edged TNT Katropa, 100-97, on Friday night.
Tyler Tio was the hero in the extra period for Phoenix as he hit a triple to give his team the winning margin in the closing seconds.
Ricci Rivero also starred for Phoenix as he finished with 31 points before injuring his hand in overtime.
Phoenix went to Rivero and import replacement Jonathan Williams (22 points) in the final period and the duo carried the load for the team to force the extra period.
BolBol led TNT with 30 points and Calvin Oftana added 22 but their efforts just fell short in the end.
The win improved Phoenix’s win-loss record to 6-4, the same slate by TNT after the loss.
Phoenix coach Charles Tiu said the team was well aware of the importance of the match and they responded well with the game on the line.
Indeed, Phoenix showed composure down the stretch and played through their strengths on offense and exerted extra ball pressure on defense to offset their lack of firepower compared to TNT Katropa.
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