Aces, Batang Pier, Bolts chase playoff bids

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska Milk takes its second and last crack at an outright quarterfinal entry even as NorthPort and Meralco pursue their own quarters aspirations in a critical twin bill in the penultimate play date of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Aces and the Batang Pier clash at 4:30 p.m., then the Bolts and the Barangay Ginebra Kings collide at 7 p.m. in the last bill before the 2019 PBA All-Star Extravaganza in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

It’s a virtual playoff for Alaska, NorthPort and Meralco. For Ginebra, it’s just a fight for pride and positioning in the best-of-three quarterfinals.

The Kings have been eased out of the fight for the Top Two. At 6-3, the best they can get is No. 3 seeding in the playoffs if they sweep their last two games in the single-round-robin elims.

But Ginebra is assured of a spot in the pair of best-of-three quarters series even if they split or drop their last two matches against Meralco and NorthPort.

However, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said they want to keep winning and sustain momentum going into the playoffs.

“It’s now about preparing for the start of the playoffs. We do that by making sure we play the right way and don’t let down in any areas of our game,” said Cone.

Alaska seeks a 5-6 closing card that will guarantee the Aces of a quarters seat.

At 3-6, NorthPort needs to sweep its last two games to make the Final Eight while Meralco, at 3-7, must win its final game to gain a piece of eighth spot.

A multiple logjam at eighth is a possibility, but only one playoff will determine the final quarters cast, meaning the quotient system will be used to break the tie.

Aside from Alaska, NorthPort and Meralco, others fighting it out for the two remaining spots in the quarters are NLEX (4-6) and Columbian Dyip (4-7).

The Batang Pier battled back into strong contention for the quarters as they tripped the TNT KaTropa, 109-83, last Sunday.

“We couldn’t get the breaks on our side in our previous games. We’re now making our shots. Hopefully, we can get going. We’re really going all out to catch up,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio.

The question is the readiness of Moala Tautuaa after a bad fall towards the end of their game Sunday.

For Alaska, Vic Manuel is finally suiting up again but is still doubtful to play.

“He’s already practicing, but he’s still working on his condition and timing,” said Alaska top official Dickie Bachmann.

NOTES: NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio kidded Sunday that they deserved a treat as they gave Rain or Shine a free ride into a Top Two finish. “Eh kung nabigyan naman sila ng free ticket para maging No. 1 or No. 2, kung sino man team ‘yun, magpadala na lang ng pagkain sa practice. Ganun lang ‘yun,” Jarencio said. The ROS management obliged, sending Chinese noodles during the Batang Pier’s practice at the Green Meadows gym.