Phoenix, Blackwater clash in virtual q’final KO match

The mad scramble for quarterfinal berths continues on Wednesday as Phoenix Petroleum and Blackwater collide without a key player each in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters and Elite figure in a potential knockout clash at 7 p.m. with Phoenix missing gunner Matthew Wright and Blackwater playing without Allein Maliksi, who are both on loan to Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the Fiba World Cup qualifiers in Australia.

With six teams still in the hunt for three remaining quarterfinals spots, GlobalPort is also hard-pressed to overcome slumping Kia in the first game at 4:30 p.m.

The Batang Pier blew an early lead in absorbing an 81-96 loss to Magnolia on Friday that put their quarterfinal hopes in peril after they dropped to 4-5.

“We need to play hard and there’s just no room to relax,” said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio, whose squad can climb into a share of sixth spot with Barangay Ginebra with a victory.

Another win against Phoenix on March 2 will seal the Batang Pier’s entry to the next round. But even with its 1-8 record, Kia will be going all out as the Picanto are dedicating the game to the wife of team manager Joe Lipa, Ging, who passed away Friday.

“Despite our situation we remain unperturbed and defiant as we go all out to get a win,” said Kia coach Ricky Dandan, whose team has dropped its last four games. “And, yes, win one for Tita Ging (Lipa) and coach Joe.”

Stalled by Meralco last Wednesday, Phoenix, which also has a 4-5 record, isn’t taking any chances as it seeks the first of two wins needed for an outright quarterfinal berth starting with a victory against the Elite.

The Fuel Masters are comforted by the fact that their fate is still in their hands unlike the Elite, who are looking to close out the elimination round with a win that could give them a shot at a playoff for a quarterfinal spot.

“At least, our fate is still in our hands,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas. “We can make things happen.”