Kings, Aces top cards in quarters

Barangay Ginebra and Alaska Milk joined Magnolia in an outright Top Four finish with stirring victories over separate foes in the third-to-the-last play date of the PBA Governors Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Kings pulled off an almost wire-towire 93-86 win over the Hotshots while the Aces repulsed the NorthPort Batang Pier, 95-85, to assure themselves of the twiceto-beat incentive in the quarters.

Phoenix Petroleum (7-3) and Blackwater (7-3) fight for the last remaining slot in the Top Four in a virtual playoff battle at the close of the elims Sunday at the same venue.

San Miguel Beer, at 6-4, has settled for a spot in the lower half of the Top Eight, leaving NLEX (5-5), TNT KaTropa (4-6) and Meralco (4-6) to slug it out for the two remaining quarterfinal berths.

The Kings close out their elims stint versus the Texters Sunday. Win or lose, Ginebra is assured of the top two seeding.

“Every time that it looked we’ve put the game away, they would come back and make a big run on us. That goes to show how good that team is,” said Cone. “I’m happy we’re able to keep our poise and make the runs of our own.”

Earlier in the night, Alaska Milk team owner Wilfred Uytengsu entered the dugout and delivered a short message that fired up the Aces who went on to salvage their last game in the eliminations.

“He laid the message that changed the game for us,” said coach Alex Compton of Uytengsu’s words that ignited a turnaround from a so-so start for the Aces.