THE ultimate giant killer in the Philippine Basketball Association this conference gets another chance to further cement its reputation as the league’s most dangerous team.
Second-running Mahindra Enforcer faces yet another acid test as it takes on the powerhouse Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in another chance to continue its impressive run in the homestretch of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Currently in a three-way tie for second, the Enforcer (6-2) can retake solo second spot should it win a third straight game. They face the beleaguered Elasto Painters (3-4), who are in dire need of a victory. They cross paths at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
In the appetizer, the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters (3-4) look to follow up their previous triumph and improve their chances of making it to the top eight when they take on the ailing Star Hotshots (1-6), who are on a four-game skid, at 4:15 p.m.
After clinching a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history, Mahindra’s eyes are now set on finishing in the top four to secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
“We’re really happy to be able to make franchise history at this point, having won six games and reaching the playoffs for the first time,” said Mahindra deputy coach Chris Gavina, who is credited for his team’s meteoric rise. “We’re now looking to finish strong and keep pushing to end up in the top four.”
The surprising Enforcer is in a three-way tie with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beer for second and a win will move it a half-game behind frontrunner TNT KaTropa, which holds the top spot with its 7-1 slate.
Mahindra is still high from one of its biggest wins in franchise history after dealing the Tropang Texters their first loss of the tournament last Friday with a big 107-104 upset.
Other than Talk ‘N Text, the Enforcer had earlier downed formidable opponents such as defending champion San Miguel Beer, Alaska Aces, Star and GlobalPort as it continues to show that it is emerging as a legitimate force in the league.
The Elasto Painters, who are on a two-game slide after losing last Saturday to the Batang Pier, 101-99, in Legazpi City, are parading a new but familiar import in lieu of the ineffective Dior Lowhorn.
Returning import Jason Forte, who had two previous stints with Alaska as well as a stint with defunct Air21, is returning for his fourth tour of duty in the league. The wiry and athletic Forte will try to boost Rain or Shine’s bid for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Commissioner’s Cup champion Elasto Painters are facing a “must win” situation to get a better position in the race for the top eight.
Likewise facing similar situations are Phoenix and Star.
The Fuel Masters also need a victory to strengthen their bid for a berth in the next round while the Hotshots badly need to be flawless the rest of the way. They have to sweep their remaining four games to have a shot at making it to the playoffs.
Phoenix took down NLEX, 95-91, in overtime last Friday while Star lost to Ginebra, 116-103, last Sunday after leading by as much as 19 points.
Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum):
4:15 p.m. – Phoenix vs.
Star Hotshots
7 p.m. – Mahindra vs.
Rain or Shine