source: Joel Orellana | businessmirror.com.ph
Barangay Ginebra actually has a slim chance of gaining a playoff for the second automatic semifinals slot, but Kings coach Jong Uichico doubts that Alaska would lose its remaining two assignments in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Ginebra secured a berth in the best-of-five quarterfinal series after dismantling Burger King, 122-104, on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum to end its double-round elimination campaign with 12-6 mark.
The Kings are in third spot with a 12-6 win-loss mark, two games behind the second-running Aces (12-4).
“Hindi na ako umaasa [sa semis],” said Uichico minutes after their easy victory over the Whopper. “I think Alaska can win one of its last two assignments but we’re happy we’re in the quarters.”
The Aces have Barako Bull and Rain or Shine in their calendar and a victory will send them in the best-of-seven semifinal series. San Miguel Beer (14-4) was the first team to reach the semifinals.
The Energy Boosters (3-14) and the Elasto Painters (4-13) are both fighting for their lives in the tournament and are expected to give Alaska the tough time before clinching bonus.
But earning a quarterfinal berth early is already quite an achievement for Ginebra, according to Uichico, and they will use the break in getting their injured superstars Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa back in form.
“Our goal now is to be healthy and let the injured players get back in the flow of the game kasi matagal din silang nawala,” said Uichico. “Come quarterfinals, sana ready na sila.”
While the Kings have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, three more teams are jockeying for the last two automatic berths in that stage.
Sta. Lucia Realty (10-7), Talk ’N Text (11-7) and Purefoods Tender Juicy (11-6) are fighting for the last two slots.
To advance outright, Sta. Lucia must beat Purefoods by at least 47 points on Friday. Less than that would mean another playoff battle between the two teams.
A victory by the Giants will not only give them a guaranteed spot in the quarterfinals but also they will stay alive in the hunt for the No. 2 position though it still depends on howAlaska fares in its last two matches.
The Tropang Texters are on the sideline, cheering for Purefoods to win the battle to get a free ride in the quarterfinal round.
San Miguel Beer, meanwhile, placed its game against Talk ’N text last Saturday under protest. The Tropang Texters, who won the game, 93-91, brought the wrong set of uniforms in their game in Zamboanga City.
Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Burger King
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