Phoenix takes crack at no. 2
Phoenix Petroleum chases a shot at a No. 2 finish behind San Miguel Beer while Alaska Milk shoots for a quarterfinal entry as they clash in a critical showdown ushering the final week of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday.
It could well be a slam-bang battle as the Fuel Masters and the Aces figure in a virtual knockout setto in the race for No. 2 spot which rewards a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
San Miguel Beer has secured the No. 1 spot, leaving Phoenix (6-4), TNT KaTropa (6-4), Alaska (5-4), Rain or Shine (5-4) and Star (5-4) in a cutthroat fight for the second slot.
Two or three teams may end up tied at second. Any kind of logjam at No. 2 will be resolved via quotient system as a playoff game will only be used in breaking tie for No. 8.
“Talo kami sa quotient if we get involved in a tie but whatever will happen, we go all out to win our last game in the elims. Wherever we end up, so be it,” said Phoenix Fuel coach Alex Vanguardia.
The Fuel Masters are on a hot charge, winning four of their last five games. But they have dropped their matches against the Star Hotshots, the Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters – teams that they may end up tied with.
Alaska may get a shot at No. 2 with a sweep of its last game. But the Aces are focused first on clinching a quarters berth.
Losing their last two games against Phoenix and Rain or Shine may send the Aces into a knockout playoff for the eighth and last spot in the quarters.
Alaska Milk worked on a strong finishing kick to repel Mahindra, 107-91, the last time out as the Aces sprang back from an upset by the Blackwater Elite the last time out and wheeled back into contention for the Top Two.
Dragged in a battle in the first 40 minutes of the game, the Aces made a key run behind clutch plays by old leaders Tony dela Cruz, Sonny Thoss and Dondon Hontiveros.
“As great as our young guys are, Tony, Dondon and Sonny changed the game for us. Our veteran leaders came in the second half. Tony was great in the third quarter while Dondon and Sonny were really key players in the fourth,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
Compton said they would need the same effort if they’re to have a chance at sweeping their last two games and get a crack at No. 2.
“We have to win our last two games. It can’t be 1-1,” said Compton in their bid to nail a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
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