Currently in fourth spot with a 5-5 (win-loss) slate, the Liquid Powers tackle the Archers at 1:45 p.m., shooting for the first of the two victories they need to formalize their entry to the semis along with defending champion Welcoat Paints (8-3), Blustar Detergent (7-4) and Sunkist-UST (7-4).
"We can’t afford to underestimate ICTSI-La Salle because this team is capable of pulling off some surprises," said Fash coach Junel Baculi, referring to the Archers, who are already out with a 2-9 slate.
A victory will assure the Liquid Powers aaaaaaaaof at least a playoff for the last slot in the next round, possibly against the Montaña Jewels, who stayed in the race by beating the Archers, 79-67, last Tuesday in Pasig City.
A Fash win will also knock the Viva Mineral Water Force, runners-up in last year’s first conference, out of the semis race.
With a 4-7 card, Viva’s only chance hinges on an ICTSI-La Salle victory today coupled with a Montaña loss to Welcoat in the final playdate of the elims on Saturday.
Focus will be on PBA draft hopefuls Rich Alvarez, Wesley Gonzales and Allan Salangsang, who are expected to come up with notable performances and boost their stocks heading in the annual draft next week.
Meanwhile, Blustar and red-hot Sunkist-UST collide in the other game at 4 p.m., hoping to end their elimination round campaign on a bright note.
The Detergent Kings and the Tigers are tied at second place with an 8-4 slate behind the Paint Masters.