Texters shoot for twice-to-beat semis edge

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Mahindra vs TNT KaTropa

7 p.m. – Phoenix vs NLEX

MANILA, Philippines – TNT KaTropa, virtually in the playoffs with a perfect slate in six games, now chases a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals when it tangles Friday with a Mahindra side that is on a breakthrough ride in the PBA Governors Cup.

NLEX and Phoenix Petroleum, teams barely inside the Top Eight, try to improve their playoff hopes when they collide in the day’s other game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Texters and the Enforcers face off at 4:15 p.m. then the Road Warriors and the Fuel Masters square off at 7 p.m.

“Our mindset is to win as many games as we can,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico, determined to get his team to the Top Four for a better chance of making the semifinals.

The Enforcers, on the other hand, seek a follow-up to their 97-88 win over the Blackwater Elite the last time out to boost their bid for a first-ever playoff appearance.

Having high hopes on his team, playing coach Manny Pacquiao said their goal is not just to make the quarterfinals but go all the way to win the championship.

 “Our guys are working hard and responding well to the coaches. We’re going along fine. I’m hopeful of a fruitful campaign,” said Pacquiao, coming off a breakthrough game where he nailed a charity and a 3-point shot.

The Enforcers are currently tied at second place with the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the San Miguel Beermen at 5-2. They have matched the most number of wins the franchise has got in a conference.

 Meanwhile, NLEX and Phoenix had picked up some momentum, winning back-to-back games before losing their last outing.

The Road Warriors were stopped by the Meralco Bolts, 95-101, just last Wednesday while the Fuel Masters were torched by Michael Madanly and his TNT teammates, 117-124, Friday.

At 3-4, NLEX is half-game ahead of Phoenix (2-4) but the Road Warriors will be at a disadvantage with just a one-day preparation versus the Fuel Masters.

 An exciting side battle is that of Eugene Phelps and Henry Walker, two of the most prolific in the current batch of imports.

 Phelps averages 41.3 and 18.3 rebounds while Walker norms 32.8 markers and 10.1 boards.