It’s a matter of life and death now for most teams in the PBA, as the Philippine Cup enters its final week of eliminations.
It’s the final stretch of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, and stakes couldn’t be any higher.
For the first time in five conferences, nine teams have at least five wins heading into the final week of the elimination round, making for an intriguing race for the eight playoff spots.
Check out this week’s set of games before the playoffs of the All-Filipino conference.
May 1 | PhilSports Arena
Blackwater vs. San Miguel - 4:30 p.m.
TNT vs. Converge - 7:30 p.m.
At 9-0, San Miguel is on track for an elimination round sweep, which hasn’t been done in quite a while in the PBA.
[RELATED STORY: June Mar Fajardo posts 20-20 as San Miguel goes 9-0, nabs twice-to-beat advantage]
But Beermen coach Jorge Gallent says they are not letting that get tot heir heads. The goal is simply to get that 10th win against a win-starved Blackwater.
After a 3-0 start to the season-ending conference, the Bossing have found themselves on a six-game tailspin.
Can an in-form Beermen keep their streak going or can a desperate Blackwater stop them on their tracks?
[RELATED STORY: Chris Ross says Arwind Santos' jersey retirement with San Miguel 'well-deserved' honor]
[RELATED STORY: Free tickets! PBA giving Filipino workers special treat on May 1]
May 3 | PhilSports Arena
Magnolia vs. Terrafirma - 4:30 p.m.
NLEX vs. Rain or Shine - 7:30 p.m.
NLEX and Rain or Shine are still on the hunt for a playoff berth with five wins apiece.
But that could change when they meet in this 7:30 p.m. game on Friday.
After sitting out the game against SMB last April 28 because of the birth of his child, Robert Bolick is expected to return to the fold and stop the bleeding for the reeling Road Warriors.
[RELATED STORY: NLEX star Robert Bolick welcomes his little MVP]
Meanwhile, the Elasto Painters will lean on Beau Belga anew to lead the young team’s final push.
May 4 | Ynares Arena/Batangas City Coliseum
Blackwater vs. Phoenix - 3:00 p.m. (Ynares Arena)
San Miguel vs. Meralco - 6:15 p.m. (Batangas City Coliseum)
Riding the crest of a two-game winning streak, Meralco looks to sustain that momentum in an all-important tussle against the Beermen.
[RELATED STORY: Raymond Almazan, Meralco jolt Magnolia, jacks up playoff chances]
A win could catapult the Bolts into the playoffs, but they are under no illusion it will be an easy task.
After all, San Miguel, though assured of the twice-to-beat advantage, doesn’t plan on slowing down especially heading into the playoffs.
May 5 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Magnolia vs. TNT - 3:00 p.m.
Ginebra vs. NLEX - 6:15 p.m.
Magnolia and TNT are perennial contenders who are struggling to get their deadly form in the season-ending conference.
The last two games could prove a boon or bane for both teams, who are eyeing a better placing heading into the quarterfinals.
[RELATED STORY: After shaky start, TNT vet Kelly Williams believes young team can get it together sooner than later]