Bolts, Enforcers figure in virtual best-of-three quarters

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs Mahindra

7 p.m. – Phoenix vs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco and Mahindra face off for the last berth in the Top Four while Rain or Shine and Phoenix square off for the last slot in the Final Eight in a pair of playoff matches determining final placing in the PBA Governors Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

As they determine who will be No. 4 and No. 5, the Bolts and the Enforcers figure in a virtual best-of-three quarterfinals matchup starting in their 4:15 p.m. setto.

The winner gains the No. 4 playoff ranking and thus enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage over the other (No. 5) in their quarters showdown.

“We are expecting a tough matchup with Mahindra. They have played well this conference and they are well coached. Our biggest concern is James White who has been a force on both ends of the court,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“Defending the penetrations of LA Revilla while also challenging the outside shooting of KG Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos will also be key. It’s playoff time so putting up a solid defense will be our main focus,” Black added.

Mahindra has reactivated Canaleta from the injured list, hoping to draw boost from him in a bid to gain a twice-to-beat privilege in its first playoff stint.

Also reactivated in time for their game versus the Bolts are playing coach Manny Pacquiao, Chito Jaime and Philip Paniamogan.

Rain or Shine and Phoenix engage in a more critical matchup at 7 p.m. disputing the right to play top seed TNT KaTropa in the quarters.

Though barely staying alive at the end of the elims, ROS coach Yeng Guiao is hopeful they can survive their do-or die match with Phoenix and stay in chase for another crown after their Commissioner’s Cup title conquest.

“I don’t think we are ready to take a vacation this early. We are just getting our rhythm lately so the longer we stay alive the better we will play,” said Guiao.

“Phoenix is a complete team with arguably the most prolific import. It’s capable of beating any team in the league, but we are determined to salvage at least a quarterfinals appearance,” Guiao also said.

Out to keep a remarkable playoff record are the E-Painters, the only team that has made at least the Final Four of each of the last nine PBA conferences.

The Fuel Masters have found themselves in a playoff showdown with the E-Painters after dropping their last two games in the single-round-robin elims.

“We are thankful that God gave us so many chances to advance. We must collectively not let this slip away,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia.

From their Barako Bull days, JC Intal, Willy Wilson and their teammates have been longing for respect and recognition. Vanguardia said this is a good opportunity for his to show their worth.

“I’m challenging the leaders of the team to step up and assume responsibility. Rain or Shine is tough and experienced but we are the hungrier team and we have to show that on the floor,” Vanguardia pointed out.

With their rich playoff experience, the E-Painters should be the odds-on pick versus the Fuel Masters. Another thing going with them is the fact that Josh Dollard has gotten a lot more practices with his teammates.

In his second game in his PBA comeback, Dollard churned out 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and one steal to help ROS to a 108-97 win over the Star Hotshots that gave the E-Painters a playoff crack versus Phoenix.