MERALCO tries to finally complete the cast of four teams with twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals when it goes up against also-ran Terrafirma. THERE’S only one available Top 4 spot and twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs left and among those in pursuit, Meralco enjoys the inside track. So expect the fourth-running Bolts (7-3) to make the most out of it and go full-battle mode as they seek the clincher to the sought-for win-once bonus on Friday against eliminated Terrafirma (4-7) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
TERRAFIRMA VS. MERALCO
When: Friday, May 8. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Meralco looks to bag the twice-to-beat advantage on Friday against Terrafirma. The Bolts hold a 7-3 win-loss record, and a victory will shut the Top Four door on other teams such as Magnolia. The Bolts are coming off a 108-93 win over Blackwater last Sunday - its second win in a row.
Terrafirma closes its campaign in the Commissioner's Cup on Friday against Meralco. The Dyip got off to a strong start, winning their first three games of the eliminations, but eventually lost seven of their last eight games including a 126-110 defeat to San Miguel last Wednesday.
Meralco beat Blackwater by reasserting its reputation as one of the best passing teams in the league. The Bolts had a 26-15 advantage in assists, and are now averaging 22 per contest. Leading the way in that department are the tandem of Chris Banchero and Jason Brickman, who had eight and five, respectively, in their win over Blackwater.
NLEX already sealed its position as No. 1 with its 10-2 record, with second-running Barangay Ginebra (8-3) and third-running Rain or Shine (ROS) (8-3) also virtually assured of the quarterfinal incentives whatever happens due to superior quotients. Meralco can join the club if it takes care of business at 5:15 p.m. Otherwise, the Bolts would still need to beat tough Magnolia (6-5) on Sunday to claim the Last-8 edge.
It’s a no-bearing outing for the Dyip, who virtually bombed out of the playoffs race with a 110-126 loss to San Miguel last Wednesday. But that doesn’t mean the squad would be lacking in motivation. Taking down a contender like Meralco, for sure, makes for a positive end to the campaign that Terrafirma could use as a confidence booster and momentum for the third conference. Meanwhile, ROS aims to halt a two-game skid in its elims closeout gig against exit-bound Titan Ultra (2-9) before shifting to the Last 8.
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