FiberXers pursue ‘twice-to-beat’ vs Beermen

MANILA, Philippines —  Nothing is cast in stone with the heavy logjam atop the standings but Converge wants a strong finishing kick to bolster its twice-to-beat bid against San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The FiberXers currently share top spot with the NorthPort Batang Pier at 8-3.

With only the Top Two teams gaining win-once incentives in the quarterfinals, Converge hopes to close out its elims campaign with a win over San Miguel Beer, which for its part is virtually fighting for survival while currently tied for eighth to 10th with Magnolia and NLEX at 4-6.

Lurking behind Converge and NorthPort are Meralco (7-3), Eastern (7-3), TNT (6-3), Ginebra (7-4) and Rain or Shine (6-4) – making it a seven-way race to the top.

TNT, meanwhile, tries to shrug off a stinging 117-108 defeat to Terrafirma as it tangles with Phoenix at 5 p.m.

“Lahat ng teams gusto ‘yung incentive but for us, we take care of the present which is SMB. Kasi kahit manalo kami, may bearing pa ‘yung ibang games,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.

“Ayaw naming dumating sa point na we didn’t take care of something we could have taken care of. That’s our approach. Kung palarin sa twice-to-beat, we would welcome that.”

The FiberXers will ride the momentum of a two-game winning streak as they take on the Beermen possibly minus Justin Arana, who got hurt in their 127-109 victory against Blackwater the last time out.

Sans Arana, top draft pick Justin Baltazar will carry the responsibility down low as he gears up for his first-ever duel against eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo.

“Magiging ready lang ako. Alam naman natin si kuya June Mar kung gaano ka-dominante sa ilalim. Kung anong game plan nila coach, pagta-trabahuhan namin at paghahandaan namin,” said Baltazar.