With the two outright semis berths already clinched, focus now shifts to the battle for two twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinal round with Toyota Balintawak gunning for one of them against joint leader Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala today in the PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center.
The Moneymen and the defending champion Harbour Centre Batang Pier have already secured the two automatic semis berths following Dazz ‘Sang Patak’s stunning 86-73 win over the Roadkings over the weekend.
Dazz’s victory sent the Batang Pier and Moneymen into the Final Four this early since no team is capable of at least matching their current 8-2 (win-loss) marks going into their last two games.
But with an even 5-5 record, the Roadkings can avail themselves of one of two twice-to-beat privileges although they have to beat the Moneymen in their 4 p.m. encounter.
Clashing in the opening game at 2 p.m. are Henkel Sista and Burger King with the Whoppers out to arrest a six-game skid. Both squads tote identical 4-6 slates.
“We have to win at all costs this time if we want to advance into the next round,” said Burger King coach Lawrence Chongson. “Everybody must step up.”
The Whoppers swept their first four games only to lose the next six.
Just like the Whoppers, the Super Sealers are also in a must win to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
The Super Sealers appeared to have recovered from a slow start after winning four straight games since the arrival of Fil-Am Ryan Reyes. But Henkel Sista failed to sustain that run as it dropped its last two games.
Expected to carry the scoring cudgels for the Whoppers are JR Quinahan, Mike Bravo, Ronjay Buenave and Nestor David.
Toyota Balintawak’s setback also spoiled the return of last year’s MVP Joe Calvin Devance. The 6-foot-7 Fil-Am tallied 15 points but his effort went down the drain as the rest, including Patrick Cabahug, Marvin Cruz and Erick Rodriguez struggled offensively.
Despite advancing into the semis, the Moneymen don’t intend to relax since they are eager to finish the elims at No. 1. In their debut last conference, the Moneymen were beaten by the Batang Pier in the quarterfinal round.