Play-in won’t be back?

The NBA introduced a play-in system during the pandemic-interrupted and shortened 2019-20 bubble season where the No. 8 teams in both the East and West carried a twice-to-beat advantage over No. 9 in determining the last entries to the playoffs. However, the condition was No. 9 had to end the regular campaign within four games of No. 8. The next season, the play-in format was expanded to involve teams from No. 7 to No. 10 in both conferences even as the schedules were back to normal.

In the NCAA this season, the 10 teams played a single elimination round instead of the usual double. Because of the abbreviated format, it was decided to do a play-in where teams from No. 3 to No. 6 would battle to determine the last two semifinalists. As it turned out, No. 3 San Beda beat No. 4 College of St. Benilde, 63-57, to clinch the No. 3 ticket and No. 5 Perpetual defeated No. 6 Arellano, 59-52 to arrange a KO showdown with the Blazers for the No. 4 slot at the Flying V Arena today. The semis will pit No. 1 Letran against No. 4 (either St. Benilde or Perpetual) and No. 2 Mapua against San Beda with the higher seeds enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.

“From what I know, this is the first time the NCAA is using the play-in format,” said Letran coach Bonnie Tan. “It gives more teams a chance to compete for the playoffs.” San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez said the play-in may not be repeated when the league reverts to the double elimination round. “Ang play-in is just for this season,” he said. “Sabi nila kasi, one round lang, baka next season, kung two rounds, hindi na rin.” St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu also said he doesn’t think the play-in will be back under normal conditions.

At first, the NBA experimented with the play-in and later institutionalized it. The platform is exciting and a form of consolation for teams within reach of the playoffs to qualify. It also has commercial value. This NBA season, the play-in featured six games. The NCAA patterned its play-in to the latest NBA version. Perhaps, the NCAA and UAAP could consider this “mini-tournament” even if the double elimination round returns.

Regarding the St. Benilde-Perpetual playoff today, Tiu said it’ll be a struggle without AJ Benson, suspended as a penalty for his ejection in the previous game. “We actually lost two of our best players before the season although they were still eligible – Justin Gutang and Jimboy Pasturan,” he said. “Despite that, we’re contending for our first Final Four berth in about 20 years. Unfortunately, for us, there was a new play-in rule which took out our automatic Final Four spot after finishing the regular season at fourth. But we have to make do with what we’re given. Perpetual is on a hot streak while we’re in a bit of a funk but with God’s grace, we hope to bounce back and make history for our school.”