THE last quarterfinalists in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup will be determined on the final day of the eliminations with Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater pitted against each other in the second game of a Friday doubleheader.
Also on the card is a game between Phoenix Super LPG and Rain or Shine that will have a major bearing on the seedings.
Here is a preview.
PHOENIX SUPER LPG VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Friday, October 23. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Battle for No. 2
Phoenix Super LPG and Rain or Shine duel for the No. 2 seed in Group B and a match-up against Converge in their final game of the eliminations. Both teams have 5-4 win-loss records entering the contest. They also can’t afford to lose since it may mean slipping to as low as No. 4, where a match against NLEX awaits, or to No. 3 and face San Miguel in the quarterfinals.
Coming from losses
Phoenix Super LPG and Rain or Shine will look to bounce back from their recent defeats in their previous game. The Fuelmasters lost to Barangay Ginebra, 106-89, last Sunday, while the Elasto Painters were defeated by Magnolia, 107-103.
Local support missing
Phoenix Super LPG sorely missed its locals against Ginebra when Ricci Rivero and Kai Ballungay were the only double-digit scorer.
Shot better
Rain or Shine lost to Magnolia after shooting just 39 percent from the field, the usual percentage that the Hotshots give up in their victories this conference. One player that struggled in that game was Deo Cuajao, who shot 4-of-12 even after finishing with nine points.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. BLACKWATER
When: Friday, October 23. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Dispute for last QF berth
Ginebra and Blackwater battle for the final quarterfinal spot in the Governors’ Cup in the last game of the elimination round. The Gin Kings are at fourth place with a 4-5 win-loss record, while the Bossing have a 3-6 win-loss slate. At fifth place with a 4-6 record, idle Meralco is waiting for its fate.
Win for Gins enough
Ginebra only needs a victory to advance to the quarterfinals where they will finish at No. 3 in Group B and a showdown against San Miguel.
Loss for Gins also enough
The Gin Kings can also advance with a loss to Blackwater, but only if the losing margin is 23 points or less to avoid complications. In such a case, they will secure the No. 4 seed, arranging a quarterfinal duel against Group A No. 1 NLEX.
Daunting task for Blackwater
While they are still in contention for a quarterfinal berth, the Bossing need to win big against the Gin Kings. Unofficially, Blackwater must win by 45 points or more to dislodge Ginebra and Meralco.
If Blackwater’s winning margin is between 24 to 43 points, Meralco is in.
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