TWO teams in the race for the remaining spots in the quarterfinals see action Sunday in a crucial PBA Philippine Cup play date in Antipolo.
Here’s what to expect in the doubleheader ushering the final week of the eliminations in the season-opening conference.
TITAN ULTRA VS. PHOENIX
When: December 14, 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo
This one is a virtual do-or-die game for the Giant Risers if they intend to stay in contention for the last two playoff berths.
The rookie franchise is currently at ninth place with a 3-6 record and in a race with Barangay Ginebra and Meralco for the right to advance into the next round.
Deadly tandem
The Giant Risers’ bid to make the quarterfinals in its maiden conference hinges on star players Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon getting their acts in unison.
Abueva and Munzon carry most of the offensive load for the team, with the ‘Beast’ submitting numbers of 21.8 points and 11.3 rebounds, and Munzon averaging 20.6 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Munzon finished with 21 points and Abueva 20 in the Giant Risers’ 111-108 escape act against Terrafirma Dyip in their previous outing that fanned their hopes of qualifying to the playoffs.
Titan reactivates new acquisition Pao Javillonar
The Giant Risers were quick to reactivate Pao Javillonar in order for him to be available for the game against the Fuel Masters.
READ: Titan gets Pao Javillonar from Converge in trade for future pick
Javillonar was acquired in a trade with Converge for the Giant Risers’ second round pick in Season 51.
The big man out of Letran averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds for the FiberXers this season. He was reactivated for rookie Mario Barasi.
Spoiler’s role
Fresh from being eliminated in the playoffs, Phoenix will be playing nothing but for pride as it tries to ruin Titan Ultra’s quarterfinal hopes.
The playoff door was slammed on the Fuel Masters following their 88-78 loss to the Meralco Bolts last Friday and fell to a 3-7 record.
The game against Titan Ultra will be the last for Phoenix this conference.
MERALCO VS. CONVERGE
When: December 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo
Meralco will have to go through a tough Converge side if it is to make the quarterfinals.
The Bolts improved to a 5-4 standings following that win over the Fuel Masters, but are expected to go through the wringer against the FiberXers, who are aiming for twice-to-beat advantage in the next round with a Top 4 finish.
CJ Cansino still waxing hot
The sophomore guard picked up from where he left off following an ankle injury by leading Meralco to back-to-back wins over Terrafirma and Phoenix.
Cansino averaged 21.0 points and six rebounds in the two outings as he continued to pace the team in scoring with norms of 17.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.
A third straight win by the Bolts meant outright quarterfinals seat for the team, although a loss by Titan Ultra in the opening game would complete the eight-team playoff cast by giving both Meralco and Barangay Ginebra automatic passage to the next round.
Converge seeks twice-to-beat edge
The FiberXers will be looking to bounce back from their 90-84 loss to league leader Rain or Shine the last time that badly affected their bid for a Top Four finish at the end of the eliminations.
The team of coach Delta Pineda stays in the thick of the running for the coveted twice-to-beat advantage that has become a closely fought one.
Converge is currently tied for second place with Magnolia and TNT at 6-3, just behind no.1 teams Rain or Shine and defending champion San Miguel, both with identical 7-2 slates.
And below at third spot is NLEX with a 6-4 record.
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