Three teams press their bids for an outright semis seat while one fights for survival in the Talk n Text PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo today.
Alaska clashes with Air21 at 4:35 p.m. while San Miguel collides with Welcoat at 7:30 p.m. in a crucial double-header in the homestretch of the elimination round.
The Aces, the Express and the Beermen are all in pursuit of an automatic entry into the semis while the Dragons are now in danger of missing the playoffs.
It has actually become a six-cornered fight for the Top Two with Red Bull leading the pack at 11-5, followed by Ginebra and Alaska at 10-5, Air21 and Talk n Text at 9-6 and San Miguel at 7-7.
The Phone Pals won their last two games on solid performances of Harvey Carey. The Fil-American forward was named the PBA Press Corps‚ ACCEL-Talk n Text Player of the Week for the period May 16-20.
The Beermen are galloping from behind, riding the momentum of a sizzling six-game run. They are expected to make it seven in a row against the struggling Dragons.
San Miguel has gone 6-1 (win-loss) since the arrival of import Galen Young.
The Aces are hopeful they can catch up with the Bulls in the lead while the Express are determined to arrest a two-game skid to stay in the thick of the battle for an outright semis entry.
Curiously, Alaska has won three of its last four gameswhile Air21 has lost three of its last four assignments.
“We just want to keep on winning. If you keep on winning, it will take care of itself. That’s our goal because we have no control on what Ginebra, Red Bull, Air21 and even Talk n Text and San Miguel can do,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
“Our next two games against Air21 and Red Bull will crucial,” Cone added.