Ginebra vs TNT. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BARANGAY Ginebra and defending champion Tropang TNT clash in a crucial Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup game today at Smart Araneta Coliseum with the Gin Kings’ hopes of booking a top two finish for a twice-to-beat privilege in the first-round playoffs resting largely on a win.
Game time is 7 p.m. with the Texters shooting for a victory that would keep them in the upper half of the playoff draw.
Phoenix Petroleum and Blackwater collide in a virtual knockout match at 4:15 p.m.
Ginebra cannot afford to lose for it will fall two games out of the pace and a full game behind second-running San Miguel Beer with the elimination round entering its homestretch.
With a 5-3 record and sharing third with idle Alaska, the Gin Kings would need nothing less than a sweep of their remaining three outings to entertain hopes of finishing in the top two and drawing a light assignment in the quarterfinals.
Tournament rules call for eight of the 12 teams to make it past the eliminations, with those qualifying as Nos. 7 and 8 drawing Nos. 2 and 1, respectively, needing to beat their higher-ranked foes two straight times to advance.
The middle teams will fall into two best-of-three series with Nos. 3 and 6 and Nos. 4 and 5 clashing for a place in the Final Four.
Meralco is at 6-2 and leads the pack, while GlobalPort brings up the rear at 2-6.
Ginebra will come into the game in full strength and with a two-game winning streak, thanks largely to Othyus Jeffers, the shortest import at 6-4.
The Kings are fresh off a controversial 102-101 victory over Phoenix Petroleum in an out-of-town game in Panabo City two Saturdays ago.