THE PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup elimination round comes to a close on Friday with still a lot to play for, especially for the No. 8 spot which Magnolia is still seeking to enter the quarterfinals.
Here’s a preview of the crucial double=header.
MERALCO VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Friday, January 31. 5 p.m.
Where: Philsports Arena
Magnolia seeks playoff for No. 8
The Hotshots battle the Bolts in the most important game of their conference, as a win would clinch a playoff for the No. 8 spot, their opponent to be determined depending on the result of the TNT-Rain or Shine tiff in the second game.
Magnolia kept its hopes alive after its 107-78 win over Eastern last Sunday and would like to even its elims record to 6-6.
“It’s a war. It’s a battle of defense,” said coach Chito Victolero in describing their match against Meralco.
Meralco 'only' looking to finish elims with a win
Meralco is no longer playing for something in its match-up against Magnolia, as it is already locked into No. 5 and will face Barangay Ginebra in a best-of-three quarterfinals.
The Bolts are coming off a 91-87 loss to the very same Gin Kings last Wednesday, and will look to regain their winning ways against the Hotshots.
Akil Mitchell to be rested against Magnolia?
With Meralco practically playing a no-bearing match, it won’t be a surprise if the Bolts decide to rest import Akil Mitchell against Magnolia.
Mitchell didn’t play against Ginebra due to back spasms, and it won’t hurt Meralco if the import takes a breather again to prepare for the quarterfinals against the Gin Kings.
Rookie guards could play a vital role in the game
Magnolia’s last two games have seen rookies Peter Alfaro and Jerom Lastimosa stepping up, and the Hotshots would certainly welcome another bright performance from them with Paul Lee still making his way back to the rotation after suffering a meniscus tear.
TNT VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Friday, January 31. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Philsports Arena
TNT eyes twice-to-beat with win
TNT faces Rain or Shine in its final game of the elims, with the Tropang Giga seeking to clinch the No. 2 spot in the quarterfinals.
The Tropang Giga are fresh off a 115-97 win over San Miguel last Sunday to take an 8-3 win-loss record, gaining a chance at the playoff incentive. TNT would also seal the advantage with a Magnolia win in the first game.
Rain or Shine looks to breach No. 6, avoid a playoff for No. 8
Rain or Shine plays a crucial match, as a win over TNT will bring them up at No. 6, avoiding a twice-to-win disadvantage.
READ: RoS risks falling into a KO game for No. 8 with another loss
A loss, on the other hand, could bring them as low as being forced to play a knockout match for the No. 8 with a Magnolia win. A loss combined with a Meralco win in the first game, will seal it as the eight-seed.
TNT looks to continue mastery over ROS
The last time the two teams played against each other was in Game Five of the 49th Season Governors’ Cup when TNT finished off Rain or Shine, 113-95, last October 18 for a 4-1 semifinal series win.
Santi must bounce back
Santi Santillan has been off the past two games, scoring one point on 0-for-3 shooting against Ginebra
He did have 12 points against NLEX, but earned his baskets by shooting 5-of-12 from the field. Over the past two games, Santillan has also struggled from the line, combining for 2-of-11 from the charity stripe.
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