MANILA, Philippines—After failing to clinch an outright semifinals berth, Big Chill goes for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals instead.
But it won’t be easy for the Superchargers as they face Café France, a team fighting to keep its playoff hopes going.
“Survival is the name of the game from this point and the players know that,” said Big Chill head coach Robert Sison.
Big Chill once held the No. 2 spot early in the conference until the losses piled up, including two straight setbacks.
The Superchargers absorbed a 59-77 against Cagayan Valley last January 10 before newcomer Informatics chalked up its lone win at their expense, 87-94, a week later that eventually knocked them off of contention for the automatic semis slot.
“This game could be the determining factor on how far we’re going to go this conference,” Sison said. “Café France is a well-coached team and had what it takes to beat any team just like what it did against to a strong and solid team like NLEX. We are going to give it our best shot and see what happens from there.”
Meanwhile, Fruitas also seeks to avoid elimination as it tangles with Boracay Rum, which has turned things around after a dismal start.
“This will be a good test of our character. Nobody has given us a chance to make the quarters after we had lost our first five games,” said Boracay Rum head coach Lawrence Chongson.
“But we stayed together and keep believing. We’ll see if we can get the job done,” added Chongson, whose team has won three straight.
A win by Fruitas over Boracay Rum still won’t guarantee the Shakers a playoff slot.
Fruitas would only get in if Big Chill and Air21-JRU beat Café France and Cebuana Lhuillier respectively along with a much-needed victory over Boracay Rum.
The Bakers are tied with the Waves, Gems and Shakers with identical 4-5 records.