WITH TNT and Meralco already assured of playing in the next phase, Converge, Magnolia, and NorthPort are left battling for the final two playoff spots in Group A of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup.
It is as tight as it gets among the three teams, with the FiberXers ahead with a 5-4 win-loss record, followed by the Hotshots at 4-4 then the Batang Pier at 3-5 card.
The race will heat up even more on Friday as NorthPort faces Magnolia in an all-important clash for both teams, with the Batang Pier also taking on TNT on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Hotshots and Converge will finish the eliminations with a duel on Monday.
It is important to note that there won’t be any playoff game for the final place in the quarterfinals, as the PBA quotient system will break all ties.
Here are some of the possible scenarios in the race for the final quarterfinals berths in Group A.
The following scenarios are unofficial and the article was written in order to give readers and fans a better picture about the playoff race.
FiberXers need win over Hotshots
With its 105-97 win over Meralco last Wednesday, Converge stepped closer to clinching a playoff spot - and it will formally clinch the third seed with a victory over Magnolia.
The FiberXers, though, aren’t safe with a defeat at the hands of the Hotshots as they could lose the quotient battle. Converge previously lost by a combined 36 points against Magnolia and NorthPort in the first round, results that could hurt its chances of progressing.
Do-or-die for NorthPort against Magnolia
The Batang Pier need to win on Friday against the Hotshots to stay alive for the quarterfinals. A loss will oust NorthPort, giving Magnolia and Converge the playoff berths.
If NorthPort wins over Magnolia, another victory over TNT could be enough for the Batang Pier to advance.
NorthPort, Magnolia could still end up in a tie
Even if the Batang Pier triumph over the Hotshots, the two can still end up in a tie at No. 4 based on the results of their remaining games.
If that happens, the quotient will break the deadlock with the results of their games deciding who will advance. Magnolia has a slight edge so far, holding a +11 advantage with its win in the first round.
Magnolia can still miss the playoff bus
Even though they are currently at No. 4, the Hotshots can’t afford to lose their last two games against NorthPort and Converge, as there is a chance that they will be ousted from playoff contention if they end up at solo fifth with a 4-6 win-loss slate.
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