Stakes high in crucial tiff

MANILA, Philippines — After its frustrating early exit and failed defense of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, San Miguel Beer’s redemption drive in the Philippine Cup is running smoothly.

The Beermen (7-2) have met their initial goal of advancing to the playoffs, and with a couple of elims games left, they’re in striking position for the next target – the coveted Top 4 seeding and win-once advantage in the quarterfinals.

Currently running second behind pacesetter and twice-to-beat-assured NLEX (8-2), the Beermen, who are riding a four-game streak, can even wrest the No. 1 seeding when the elims are over.

But first things first, the charges of coach Leo Austria must claim the sought-after quarters bonus by notching their eighth victory today against Converge (6-4) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 7:30 p.m. duel also offers a giant-sized subplot featuring SMB’s eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo against the FiberXers’ young twin towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar.

The stakes are high as well for the fifth-running FiberXers, who are bent on getting a 7-4 closing card while hoping for the best in the chase for the three remaining playoffs incentives.

Meanwhile, the Road Warriors look to reach nine wins and carry a three-game run heading to the playoffs as they collide with skidding NorthPort 1-8 in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser.

“The main goal is to get better every day,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico.

, whose wards are back in the Last-8 after missing it last conference.

“Kailangan sharp minds, sharp physically. Kasi minsan pag maaga pagpasok mo, medyo you lose a little bit of focus. So reminders lang every day, to keep your focus and bear in mind what the real goal is,” he added.

NOTES: Meralco looks to continue making believers out of doubters as the Bolts shoot for a semifinal seat in the Basketball Champions League Asia today against Mongolia’s Broncos in Dubai…The reigning PBA Philippine Cup kingpin earned their spot in the 3 p.m. quarterfinal match set at the Coca-Cola Arena (7 p.m. Manila time) by taking down Japan B League champ Utsunomiya Brex, 97-86, in their Group B closeout…This was a major rebound after a disappointing debut outing that saw the Bolts blow an early 11-point lead and concede an 87-101 loss to Shahab Al Ahli of host UAE.