Meralco Bolts battle for survival against NorthPort which is already assured of a top two finish in the quarterfinals in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The second-running Batang Pier (8-2) is looking to close out the eliminations with a bang as it goes up against ailing Meralco (3-6) at 7 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City tonight.
In the opener, Phoenix (4-6) fights for its life when it takes on eliminated cellar-dweller NLEX (2-8) at 4:30 p.m.
Currently enjoying a splendid run, NorthPort looks to gear up well for the playoffs ahead.
Actually, the Batang Pier can still take the top seed provided it wins against the Bolts and TNt KaTropa loses its final assignment.
However, NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio, whose team will have a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters, could care less as he wants his team to be in good shape heading to the next round.
“Ito pa, mayroon pang isang game against Meralco and gusto namin to enter the playoffs with a win and momentum,” said Jarencio.
As to who he prefers to face in the next phase, Jarencio will just await how it all plays out.
“Let’s see ano mangyayari sa ibang teams and kung sino babagsak sa amin.”
On the other hand, the Bolts, losers of four in a row, need to sweep their remaining two assignments to keep their dimming hopes of making the quarters alive.
Same goes for Phoenix when it tackles NLEX.
It needs to get a win in order to keep its bid alive.