Mixers, E-Painters try to cap playoff cast

San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine, which figured in a classic match a week ago, shoot for wins over separate foes today to complete the playoff cast in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Elasto Painters try to eliminate Barako Bull first in the 5:15 p.m. contest before the Mixers shoot for the No. 2 ranking against also-ran Globalport at 7:30 p.m.

Should both squads win as expected, only the rankings of idle Barangay Ginebra and Meralco will be decided in the final playdate on Sunday. The Gin Kings collide with elimination-round topnotcher and defending champion Talk ‘N Text.

Rain or Shine will nail the No. 3 spot with a win and give idle Air21 the eighth and final playoff spot. If the Energy defy the odds and upset the Painters, they would tie the Express at 5-9 and seal a playoff for No. 8 on Monday.

If the Batang Pier repulse the Mixers after a Rain or Shine victory, the Painters get a chance to qualify as No. 2 and gain a shot at the second twice-to-beat quarterfinal bonus.

San Mig will still play Meralco in the other game of a regular twinbill on Sunday and a victory by the Bolts would forge a playoff for No. 2 between the E-Painters and the Mixers.

The top team in the eliminations will face the No. 8 and the No. 2 faces No. 7 in the first phase of the playoffs with the top two seeds needing just a win to advance.