Bolts try to catch Kings at helm

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco seeks a share of the lead with Barangay Ginebra while Star tries to regain a piece of sixth spot with Rain or Shine as the Bolts and the Hotshots take on eliminated teams in the third to the last play date of the PBA Governors Cup eliminations at the MOA Arena in Pasay City today.

Star plays Kia at 4:15 p.m. then Meralco battles GlobalPort at 7 p.m. with the Hotshots and the Bolts pressing their bids for a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

The Batang Pier (3-7) and the Picanto (0-10), both missing the cut for the playoffs along with Alaska Milk (3-8) and Phoenix Petroleum (2-9), will just be out to end their season on a winning note.

GlobalPort is still fielding a new import in Jamal Thomas who is taking over from Murphey Holloway who suffered a hand injury.

“Kia is a dangerous team as they’re playing without any pressure. They’re playing hard and enjoying the game,” said Star coach Chito Victolero, citing the Picanto’s tough stand against San Miguel Beer in its last outing.

“They almost beat San Miguel. So we really need to go hard,and respect our opponent,” Victolero said.

The Hotshots and the Bolts are priming up for big battles in the final play date of the elims Sunday where Star takes on NLEX and Meralco tangles with San Miguel Beer.

The Bolts are at second place behind the Barangay GInebra Kings (8-2) but, at 7-2, still need to get going in their closing games in the elims to secure a Top Four finish and gain the quarters bonus.

GlobalPort is out of the playoff race, but is playing a game that has bearing in its bid for a better finish. A win gives the Batang Pier a ninth-place windup, ahead of the Alaska Milk Aces, the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Kia Picanto. A loss relegates them to 10th behind the Aces.

At 5-4, the Hotshots look to sweep their last two games for a possible crack at No. 4 spot.

They’re up against a Kia side that is determined not to finish winless in the tourney.