(PBA image)
Meralco enters the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations with urgency and ambition, knowing the window for a Top Four finish is narrow but not yet closed. While the coveted twice-to-beat incentive remains the dream, the immediate mission is far simpler: secure a playoff spot before the door shuts.
The Bolts aim to do just that when they face the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in a high-stakes showdown Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m., following the 5:30 p.m. curtain-raiser featuring Barangay Ginebra and Terrafirma.
Coach Luigi Trillo understands the path ahead is tight, but far from impossible.
“The quarterfinal ticket is there for the taking, but I think we need to win two of our last three games. Kung maipanalo namin lahat, it might put us in a situation na may chance pa kami sa Top 4,” he said. “Every game is a playoff game for us.”
That mentality will be crucial against Phoenix, a team clinging to its own postseason hopes. The Fuel Masters revived their campaign with a gritty 106-98 win over Blackwater, and Coach Willy Wilson’s squad knows another upset could throw the playoff race into chaos.
If Meralco and Ginebra both prevail in Friday’s twin bill, the chase for the remaining quarterfinal berths could be settled as early as tonight. Five teams are already safely through: Rain or Shine (7-2), San Miguel Beer (6-2), Converge (6-3), Magnolia (6-3), and NLEX (6-3). TNT, at 5-3, is also on the verge of locking in its spot.
For Meralco, the mission is clear: win now, survive later, and keep the Top Four dream alive. For Phoenix, the task is even simpler: disrupt, delay, and keep hope burning.
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