SMB climbs

ANTIPOLO—Rock-solid San Miguel Beer kept a top two finish in sight after scoring a 109-97 decision of Alaska in a Petron Saturday Special game at Ynares Center here.

It was the second straight win in a 7-2 card for the Beermen, who would still need to sweep their last two assignments—against Blackwater and GlobalPort—to earn at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat bonus.

Alaska, which took a sixth straight loss in a 4-6 card, is in danger of missing the next round.

Idle Star is setting the pace with an 8-2 record, but will lose the No. 1 ranking if the Hotshots fall into a tie with the Beermen at the end of the elimination round on June 2.

In the first game, NLEX goes into a long break with its confidence at a high after posting a second straight win, 116-114, to end its campaign here while dealing Phoenix Petroleum a critical loss.

The Road Warriors almost lost a 23-point lead but hung tough in the stretch as they take something positive from a tournament they opened up with nine straight defeats.

Phoenix ended its elimination round campaign with a 4-7 record and can get booted out of the playoffs if Alaska and GlobalPort win their final matches.

“We just wanted to make a good last impression,” NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra shoots for a share of the lead and officially take Meralco out of the race for a top two berth when the Gin Kings and the Bolts collide 6:45 p.m. Sunday also at Ynares Center here.

Defending champion Rain or Shine, in the meantime, tries to better its quarterfinal ranking when it slugs it out with TNT KaTropa in the 4:30 p.m. contest.

At 5-5, the Painters can qualify in the middle of the pack with a victory.