Barangay Ginebra takes top honors in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations without complications with a sweep of its last three games.
Winning two of those three games entitles the Gin Kings of a shot at the Top Two and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
So the stakes are high as the Gin Kings clash with the Blackwater Elite Friday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
Game time is at 7 p.m. where Blackwater, on the other hand, will come out fighting for dear life.
Justin Brownlee and his teammates bolstered their bid for a Top Two finish as they subdued Charles Rhodes and the San Miguel Beermen, 107-99, in their critical matchup Sunday at the MOA Arena.
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The Star Hotshots (8-2), the Meralco Bolts (7-3) and the TNT KaTropa Texters (7-3) are the other teams slugging it out for the twice-to-beat incentive in the playoffs.
The Kings have also beaten the Hotshots, 113-98, and the Texters, 107-89. This means Ginebra would have a big edge in quotient in case they figure in a tie for first and second spots.
Tournament rules call for a playoff match only in logjams at eighth place.
The Gin Kings ride the momentum of their stirring eight-point triumph over the Beermen in going up against the Elite.
Coach Tim Cone, however, said they can’t take for the Elite for granted especially as Blackwater is fighting for survival.
Greg Smith and his teammates need to sweep their last two games against Ginebra and San Miguel Beer for a possible playoff crack at the eighth and last playoff seat.
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But a win each by Alaska Milk (4-5) and Phoenix Petroleum (4-6) automatically dashes the Elite’s playoff hopes.
Coming from a long 11-day break, the Gin Kings blew hot and cold before eventually yielding to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 112-118, on May 19.
Two nights later, the Gin Kings sprang back with their crucial disposal of the Beermen.
