Fuel Masters, Elite fight for No. 4 spot

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix Petroleum and Blackwater slug it out for the last remaining spot in the Top Four while TNT KaTropa and Meralco fight it out for the eighth and last quarterfinals berth in the two closing play dates of the PBA Governors Cup elimination round this weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters and the Elite, now tied at fourth with identical 7-3 win-loss slates, break the deadlock in a virtual playoff match at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

It will be a breakthrough feat for either Phoenix or Blackwater which both have yet to land in the Top Four in the elims. The winner joins Barangay Ginebra, Magnolia and Alaska in the elite group which will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, TNT KaTropa and Meralco fight it out for the last quarters spot against separate opponents.

The Bolts clash with the San Miguel Beermen at 6:45 p.m. Saturday then the Texters face off with the Gin Kings also at 6:45 p.m. the following day.

San Miguel, at 6-4, and NLEX, at 5-5, have clinched quarters spots below the Top Four.

NLEX may end up in a tie with TNT and Meralco from seventh to ninth at 5-6. But even in such scenario, the Road Warriors gain automatic quarters entry on the strength of a superior quotient, leaving the Texters and the Bolts to play a knockout duel for the last quarters seat.

A playoff will be avoided on contrasting results of the closing matches of TNT and Meralco.

The Gin Kings, the reigning two-time champs, will be the top or the second seed.