Phoenix begins long trek to q’final bonus

PBA IMAGES

STILL with an outside chance of nabbing a twice-to-beat edge in the first round of the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs, Phoenix Petroleum battles Blackwater today at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Tip-off is at 4:15 p.m. with Eugene Phelps leading the Fuel Masters, who are at 4-4 and could catch any of at least three teams at No. 4  with a sweep of their last three games.

But a lot of things would have to fall into place. Phoenix has to hope that any one from among Barangay Ginebra, Mahindra and defending champion San Miguel Beer doesn’t win more than seven games.

With just seven playdates remaining, only TNT KaTropa has been assured of a top four berth—and a twice-to-beat privilege—in the first round of the playoffs.

The Gin Kings, the Enforcers and the Beermen also have a foot in the door.

The Fuel Masters round out their schedule against Alaska on Saturday and the Gin Kings exactly a week from today. If the stars align between now and next week, Phoenix will hold its fate in its hand against Ginebra.

Ginebra also has three games to go, while Mahindra and San Miguel each have two with the Gin Kings and the Enforcers colliding on Friday. Ginebra will still have to face the Texters at the close of the round on Sept. 18 and going 2-1 would clinch a top four berth.

Mahindra’s other game would be against idle Meralco, which also has a ray of hope of a top four finish depending on the result of the Enforcers’ game against Phoenix. But  the Bolts also need the Fuel Masters to win only that game in their last three outings.

Meanwhile, Alaska and GlobalPort try to shore up their respective bids for the playoffs when they slug it out in the 7 p.m. main game with both trying to stay inside the circle of eight teams that will advance.