Leaders push finals bid vs Petron, Barako

MANILA, Philippines - Though having secured spots in the semifinals, B-Meg and Rain or Shine don’t intend to relax, determined to get going in a bid to sustain their drive to make the PBA Governors Cup finals.

The Llamados and the Elasto Painters are bidding to improve the records they’re carrying over to the semis as they take on the Petron Blaze Boosters and the Barako Bull Energy, respectively, tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The E-Painters and the Energy square off at 4:15 p.m. then the Llamados and the Boosters slug it out at 6:30 p.m.

“We have no thoughts whether we’re in or out. We don’t care. For us, it’s not about entering the semis. We can’t afford to feel like that. The goal is to keep winning,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone after they hurdled Alaska, 77-61, Wednesday for their fifth straight win in the season-ending tourney.

“We need to get the momentum going. Every game is important. It’s like playoff time already,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao after nailing their own win No. 5 on an 81-77 decision over Meralco Friday.

Petron and Barako, however, are likely to pose tough challenges with both pursuing their own semis aspirations.

The Energy are solo fourth at 3-2 following back-to-back wins with returning import Leroy Hickerson. The Boosters, meanwhile, are tied with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at fifth at 3-3.

“Petron certainly has a lot of depth which is a worry for us. They are tough matchups all through their lineup,” said Cone.

Guiao oozes with confidence, happy with what his players have been showing.

“Our guys are maturing; they’re able to close out the hard games. Though young, they’re playing like veterans,” said Guiao.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text improved two rungs up to seventh place as the Tropang Texters came out strong from a 13-day break, whipping the Alaska Milk Aces, 80-72, in a Phoenix Fuel-sponsored road game in Tubod, Lanao del Norte last night.

The Texters notched a second win against three losses while dropping the axe on the Aces (1-6).