January 12 ------ WEDNESDAY’S results in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, particularly the first game between Phoenix Super LPG and Meralco, shook up the race for twice-to-beat spots for the quarterfinals. The Fuel Masters won over the Bolts, 93-83, to become the second team after top seed Magnolia Chicken Timplados to get the quarterfinal incentive, leaving just two twice-to-beat spots open.
It is important to note that Magnolia has already secured the No. 1 spot, even if it ends up in a tie with Phoenix at the end of the eliminations. The final two spots are now being contested by three teams namely San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra, and Meralco. Incidentally, the three teams are tied up at third place with 7-3 win-loss records heading to the final three playdates of the elimination round starting on Friday with San Miguel facing Blackwater and Meralco taking on Terrafirma. Let’s look at how the three teams will be able to secure twice-to-beat incentives.
SAN MIGUEL
The Beermen have the best odds of clinching a twice-to-beat advantage. Not only do they play cellar-dweller Blackwater in its final game on Friday, they also have the better quotient if it ends up in a deadlock with Ginebra and/or Meralco. The Beermen won both eliminations games against the two teams. San Miguel is on pace to take No. 3 where it will play NorthPort in the quarterfinals. But the Beermen can even take the No. 2 position if Phoenix joins the logjam by dropping its Sunday contest against TNT, arranging a duel with Rain or Shine in the first round of the playoffs.
BARANGAY GINEBRA
Ginebra found itself in contention for a twice-to-beat spot after Meralco’s loss to Phoenix. The Gin Kings have the second-best quotient among the three teams that are currently tied on the strength of their 110-93 win over the Bolts. However, Ginebra must still take care of business on Saturday when it plays NLEX in Legazpi City. A potential ‘Manila Clasico’ semifinals could be in the offing if Ginebra takes the No. 4 spot with top seed and twice-to-beat Magnolia taking on the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinals.
MERALCO
From having a shot at No. 1, the Bolts are in danger of missing out on twice-to-beat advantage altogether. They will play a relatively light opponent in Terrafirma on Friday, but their fate will depend on the result of the games of San Miguel and Ginebra. Losses by either one or two teams will send Meralco to the Top Four. In the event that it ends up at No. 5, the Bolts could be on a collision course against perennial rival and reigning champion Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals, but could also spoil the ‘Manila Clasico’ semifinal affair between the Hotshots if they progress.
Source: spin.ph
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