Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – TNT vs Globalport
7 p.m. – Star vs Blackwater
MANILA, Philippines – Talk and Text and Star hope to bounce back from shattering defeats the last time out as they pursue their respective goals against separate rivals in the third-to-last playdate of the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Tropang Texters take a shot at a Top Six finish when they battle the Globalport Batang Pier at 4:15 p.m. while the Hotshots seek to finally clinch a playoff berth against the Blackwater Elite at 7 p.m.
Globalport, with a 7-3 slate, is assured of a Top Six spot that guarantees Terrence Romeo and his teammates twice-to-beat advantage in the initial stage of the two-phase quarterfinal round.
Still, coach Pido Jarencio is urging his troops to sustain their run to further build their confidence and momentum going into the post-elims play.
The Batang Pier are on a four-game roll while the Texters are coming off an 84-97 loss to the San Miguel Beermen.
In the other game, Star and Blackwater clash in a virtual playoff duel, with both chasing outright playoff entry.
The Hotshots hope to recover from an 18-point rout by the Barako Bull Energy the last time out to automatically secure the ninth quarters spot.
The Elite, however, prolong the fight for the last two slots in the quarters if they pull the rug from under the Hotshots.
Star, with a 3-7 mark, and Blackwater, at 2-7, are barely ahead of Mahindra at 2-8.
A win by Blackwater over Star opens the door for a possible three-way tie for ninth and 10th places among the Elite, the Hotshots and the Enforcers.
The Elite dash that possibility if they beat the Enforcers in another vital tiff Sunday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Certainly, coach Jason Webb and his chargers don’t want to keep their bid in the balance.
Their problem is how to be stable and consistent in their game.
A former four-peat champ under coach Tim Cone, the Star squad has won just once in its last six games.
The Elite are better off at least in their last few games. They barely lost a double-overtime battle against the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 94-102, then repulsed the Barako Bull Energy, 116-92.
NOTES: San Miguel guard/forward Ryan Araña is facing possible fine or even suspension for his elbow foul on Calvin Abueva’s face during their game Wednesday at the Big Dome. Araña has been summoned to appear before league commissioner Chito Narvasa on Tuesday.