Bolts seek Top Four spot, Dyip eye graceful exit

MANILA, Philippines — There’s only one available Top 4 spot and twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs left and among those in pursuit, Meralco enjoys the inside track.

So expect the fourth-running Bolts (7-3) to make the most out of it and go full-battle mode as they seek the clincher to the sought-for win-once bonus today against eliminated Terrafirma (4-7) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“We know how important it is to get the Top 4,” said veteran guard Chris Banchero. “We’ve been on the outside for the last few conferences, so to get into the Top 4 would be a huge boost for our team.”

NLEX already sealed its position as No. 1 with its 10-2 record, with second-running Barangay Ginebra (8-3) and third-running Rain or Shine (8-3) also assured of the quarterfinal incentives due to superior quotients.

Meralco can join the club if it takes care of business at 5:15 p.m. Otherwise, the Bolts would still need to beat tough Magnolia (6-5) on Sunday to claim the Last-8 edge.

“One game at a time, we’re locked in on Terrafirma,” said Bolts coach Luigi Trillo after his charges waylaid Blackwater, 108-93.

It’s a no-bearing outing for the Dyip, who virtually bombed out of the playoffs race with a 110-126 loss to San Miguel last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, ROS aims to halt a two-game skid in its elims closeout gig against exits-bound Titan Ultra (2-9) before shifting to the Last-8.

“This is where you’re benefiting from a good start. Now, we have a margin for error. We still have one game to take our ninth win and that’s against Titan,” said Elasto Painters mentor Yeng Guiao.