SURVIVAL is the name of the game for both NorthPort and Alaska on Sunday.
The two take on separate opponents in the PBA Philippine Cup whose outcome would have a huge impact in their bid for a quarterfinals berth.
The Batang Pier battle the TnT Katropa in the 4:30 p.m. curtain raiser at the Smart Araneta Araneta followed by the Aces battling the defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the 6:45 p.m. main game.
The Aces (4-5) and Batang Pier (2-6) are fighting for a spot in the playoffs, although a loss would definitely hurt their chances of advancing to the next round.
Alaska, which is coming off a 92-77 win over Meralco, incidentally will have NorthPort for its final opponent on Wednesday.
NorthPort is on a six-game slide after winning their first two games. After TnT and Alaska, the Batang Pier will have Barangay Ginebra Kings for their final assignment shortly after the All-Star break.
TnT Katropa and San Miguel, however, have their own agenda.
Although both are already guaranteed playoff berths, the two power teams are still fighting for a better position in the quarterfinals,
The Katropa still have a shot at No. 2 seed for a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round. The telecommunication franchise is currently on a hot five-game winning run that raised its record at 7-3, just a game behind second running Rain or Shine (8-3).
The Beermen on the other hand, are at 6-4 and looking to finish the elimination round as the No. 3 seeded team.