Seven crucial games unfold this week
A SEVEN- GAME schedule to be played in this seventh week of hostilities could very well shape up the race as to which team will make it to the quarterfinal round of the 2018-2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
On Friday, Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok shoots for their eighth victory in nine times up, which at this stage of the elimination round, is the magic number needed for a team to enjoy the privilege of a twice-to-beat advantage when they battle the Meralco Bolts in the main dish of doubleheader at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, depending on the results of the remaining elimination round matchups until November 4, victory No. 8 or 9 is needed for a club to avail of the advantage of winning only once against whichever will be its opponent in the Final 8.
The Hotshots currently tot a 7-1 winloss slate, which, along with Barangay Ginebra (7-2), is a win away from that magic number. The second-running Kings (7-2), however, won’t be seeing action until October 28.
Today, Wednesday, the Alaska Aces play winless Columbian Dyip in the first of a two- game bill, hoping to make up from a 127- 119 loss they suffered at the hands of San Miguel Beer last Saturday. Game time is a 4: 30 p. m. at Ynares.
Rain or Shine, which had just scored its first triumph following four unsuccessful starts, meets North- Port Batang Pier in the 7 p.m. lower half of today’s twin bill, in their separate efforts to still make it to the quarterfinal round.
The Batang Pier, along with the Bolts are in danger of being ousted at identical 2- 6 cards.
Tournament format calls for the top eight teams after the elimination phase advancing to the quarterfinals, with the first four given the advantage of that twice- to- beat privilege. The last four teams in the standings are eliminated outright from further contention.
T h e Elasto Painters and the Dyips, are actually seeing action for two straight playing days when they meet separate rivals, also on Friday’s preliminary to the MagnoliaMeralco clash.
The Talk ‘ N Text Katropa, whose even 4- 4 slate placed them a sixth, gun for their for fifth win and at least improve to fourth against San Miguel Beer in a lone out of- town offering in Calasiao, Pangasinan on Saturday.
So do the Beermen, who at 3-4, will, try to take advantage of their mathematical chance to make the top four. Erstwhile league- leading Phoenix Fuel ( 6- 3), likewise, tries to make up for its 100- 117 setback suffered at the hands of SMB Friday last week against Rain or Shine on Sunday in its efforts to recover a lost chance for the twice- to- beat edge in the next round.
That would be the Elasto Painters’ energy-sapping three consecutive outings for the week, counting their meeting with Batang Pier today and Columbian Dyip on Friday.
The week will also put test the Aces’ durability in playing multiple games in a short span of four days and secure much needed to keep their chances going as they contest Blackwater Elite’s grip of third place when they collide also on Sunday capping the day’s explosive doubleheader in what could decide who among them, the Elite and the Fuel Masters will advance with the bonus.