MERALCO tries to finally complete the cast of four teams with twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals when it goes up against also-ran Terrafirma.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, seeks to finish the elimination round with a victory against Titan Ultra in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.
Here is a preview.
TERRAFIRMA VS. MERALCO
When: Friday, May 8. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Bolts' quest for twice-to-beat
Meralco looks to bag the twice-to-beat advantage on Friday against Terrafirma. The Bolts hold a 7-3 win-loss record, and a victory will shut the Top Four door on other teams such as Magnolia. The Bolts are coming off a 108-93 win over Blackwater last Sunday - its second win in a row.
Last trip ng Dyip
Terrafirma closes its campaign in the Commissioner's Cup on Friday against Meralco. The Dyip got off to a strong start, winning their first three games of the eliminations, but eventually lost seven of their last eight games including a 126-110 defeat to San Miguel last Wednesday.
Banchero-Brickman backcourt
Meralco beat Blackwater by reasserting its reputation as one of the best passing teams in the league. The Bolts had a 26-15 advantage in assists, and are now averaging 22 per contest. Leading the way in that department are the tandem of Chris Banchero and Jason Brickman, who had eight and five, respectively, in their win over Blackwater.
TITAN ULTRA VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Friday, May 8. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Looking to finish elims strong
Rain or Shine goes up against Titan Ultra with its bid to end the elimination round on a winning note. The Elasto Painters were beaten by Barangay Ginebra, 114-90, last Sunday - their third loss over their last four outings. Despite their struggles, Rain or Shine has already clinched twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals and will be eager to enter the playoffs on a winning note.
Seeking a happy ending
Titan Ultra will look to finish the eliminations on a winning note. The Giant Risers have lost six in a row including a 123-112 overtime defeat to NLEX, but will try to pull off the upset against the Elasto Painters on Friday night.
Titan falls short
Titan Ultra appeared to be on the verge of breaking its losing slide when the Giant Risers led by as many as 14 points against NLEX, but only scored five points in overtime.
Running game thwarted
Rain or Shine was not able to play to its strengths during the loss to Ginebra when the Elasto Painters were limited to only nine fastbreak points. Rain or Shine will look to dictate the pace again when it tackles Titan Ultra.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
