Philippine Sports News and Updates

Twice denied, the Alaska Aces try once again to nail the last outright semifinals berth in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Friday when it battles Rain or Shine on the final day of the eliminations at the Astrodome.

The Aces are now facing a must-win scenario against the lowly Elasto Painters (4-13), a team that will see action in the wild card stage yet still as dangerous.

Rain or Shine was the first squad that defeated Alaska in the season-opening tournament, an 86-81 triumph that came on a Friday the 13th (November).

The Aces remain in second place with a 12-5 card, although they lost their last two games, including one against Burger King Wednesday, 87-80.

Alaska coach Tim Cone, however, isn’t about to push the panic button.

“Needless to say, it’s pretty simple. We have to pick it up individually and collectively," said Cone. “We can’t play at this current level and expect to win."

A win over Rain or Shine would spare Alaska of going through complications in its bid for an outright semis berth.

Meanwhile, In case of a loss, the Aces will be dragged into a playoff either with crowd darling Ginebra (12-6) or Purefoods (11-6), which also has a crucial game Friday against the tough Sta. Lucia Realtors (10-7).

The Kings are already assured of a berth in the quarterfinals, with the Giants shooting for a spot in the same phase.

Purefoods, though, still has a slim crack at the second outright semis berth in the event the Aces lose and then the Giants beat the Realtors.

The Giants, the Aces and the Kings will all then have similar 12-6 records – with Alaska and Purefoods fighting it out for the final outright semis spot because of better quotients.

The Giants could have been assured of a place in the quarterfinals Thursday had the PBA decided to uphold the appeal by San Miguel Beer regarding its protest in its game against Talk ‘N Text last Saturday in Zamboanga City.

But the PBA, in a decision after a special meeting, turned down the request for reconsideration and supported Commissioner Renauld “Sonny’ Barrios’ earlier verdict to reject the Beermen’s protest.

Talk ‘N Text, however, was fined P50,000.

The decision comes as a huge relief for the Tropang Texters, who are now assured of a spot in the quarterfinals even if the Realtors beat the Giants and with all three teams sporting similar 11-7 slates. Talk ‘N Text has the best quotient among the three teams.

For Sta. Lucia, the game against Purefoods is a must win since a loss would mean relegation to the wild card where it will confront Rain or Shine. If Sta. Lucia wins, though, it will force a playoff against the Giants on Sunday for the last quarterfinal spot.

• GMANews.TV
• Philippine Sports Central