“‹Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission looks to clinch an outright semis berth when it faces streaking Philippine National Police on Sunday at the Meralco gym in Pasig City.
The match is set at 4:30 p.m., with both teams expected to pull all the stops to secure the win before the league takes a holiday break.
A Malacañang-PSC victory would give the Kamao and the league-leading Armed Forces of the Philippines Cavaliers outright semis tickets no matter what happens to their showdown next month in the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.
The Cavaliers are slightly ahead with a 7-1 mark, while the Kamao and the Responders sport 6-1 and 6-2 marks, respectively.
If PNP prevails this weekend and the Cavaliers drop their game against the Kamao a three-way tie for lead ensues. The team with the superior quotient will take the No. 1 spot, while the winner over the rule will be applied to determine the second outright semifinalists.
Provided they will not lose by more than 10 points to the Kamao, the Cavaliers look certain to advance outright to the semis.
Though the Kamao are coming off an inspiring 69-64 win over the PITC Global Traders, the Responders of former University of the East star Olan Omiping are on a roll, having won their last four games.
Meantime, Senate tries to secure the No. 4 spot when it battles also-ran Judiciary at 3 p.m.
Standings: AFP (7-1), Malacañang-PSC (6-1), PNP (6-2), Senate (5-3), NHA (4-4), PITC (4-4), Agriculture (3-6), Judiciary (3-5