Kings, Texters out to fan quarterfinal drive

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra and Tropang TNT face off in a duel of surging teams while Blackwater and Phoenix Petroleum slug it out in a battle of struggling squads in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Elite and Fuel Masters, both languishing outside the Magic Eight, mix it up at 4:15 p.m. then the Gin Kings and the Texters, separated by a game in the middle of the pack, square off at 7 p.m.

 The Ginebra-TNT match could well be a dogfight with both squads raring to sustain a hot charge to boost their respective bids.

Having won five of their last six games, the Kings, at 5-3, are now out to seal quarterfinals entry and fan hopes of making the Top Two for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Eight.

They hope to hurdle the Texters and prime themselves up for more crucial matches versus the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts.

“It’s the homestretch so obviously every game is crucial at this point. We play a couple of elite teams which makes our road a little tougher, but we’ll have the opportunity to learn about ourselves and prepare for the playoffs,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

The Texters are also on the rise, having notched three wins in their last four outings. But they’re still in a precarious spot at 4-4, tied with Rain or Shine, Mahindra and NLEX from fifth to eighth places, just half-game in front of the Star Hotshots (4-5).

“The goal is to win as many as we can and get into the quarters,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico.

TNT also has tough homestretch assignments in Ginebra, Mahindra and San Miguel Beer.

Blackwater and Phoenix are also expected to figure in a furious fight with both now teetering on the brink of elimination.

The Elite are at 10th place at 3-6 while the Fuel Masters are one rung behind with a 2-5 slate.

Blackwater has lost all of its last three games and five of last six matches. Phoenix has also won only once in its last six outings.