Kings, Bolts seek q’finals vs tailenders

MANILA, Philippines - Resurgent Barangay Ginebra and on-and-off Meralco try to formalize entry into the quarterfinals as they go up against teams locked in a tight battle for eighth place in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Kings tangle with the Air21 Express while the Bolts tackle the Barako Bull Energy Cola in a crucial twin-bill ushering in the final week of the elims phase of the season-opening all-Filipino tournament.

Victories by Ginebra and Meralco will have the two teams tagging Alaska Milk and Petron Blaze along to an outright quarterfinal entry, leaving Air21 and Barako Bull in a one-on-one battle for the eighth and last slot in the next round.

As it is, the Express (4-8) and the Energy Cola (3-8) are now way behind the top seven, needing to check their slump to keep it a six-cornered fight for the five remaining quarters slots.

The Kings and the Bolts, meanwhile, are not just after a quarters entry but a spot in the Top Six to avoid facing a team with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

That makes today’s games so important.

“It’s a very important game that we need to come out as if we’re in a playoff battle,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“Our destiny is still within our control. We still like our chances, but we must find ways to win,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Kings seek to keep their scorching run, gunning for a fifth straight win while the Bolts take a second shot at the quarters after being foiled by the Alaska Milk Aces Wednesday.

“We need to be focused on our execution on offense and defense. Air21 has also been playing well. They’re not just getting the breaks at endgame,” said Tanquingcen.

“We want to bounce back strong after a tough loss. Rebounding has been a deficiency for us. We must make sure that we gang rebound to offset out height disadvantage against Barako,” said Gregorio.

Down but not out, the Express and the Energy Cola intend to battle.

“Crucial game for us. We are playing a team on a winning streak and we need everybody to contribute, stay focused and stick to our game plan,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.

“We still have a chance. We’ll do what we can to hang in there,” said Barako coach Bong Ramos.