NLEX and San Miguel Beer (SMB) clash for the top seed in Group A as the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup reaches the penultimate playdate of the elimination round on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Road Warriors enter the 5:15 p.m. game toting a 9-2 record, with the Beermen carrying an 8-3 card for second spot.
Magnolia (6-3), the Group B leaders, battles Rain or Shine (5-3) at 7:30 p.m. with the Hotshots looking to secure the No. 1 spot in Group A.
NLEX hammered San Miguel Beer, 110-96, during their first meeting in this conference.
That game though was totally different since the Road Warriors still had do-it-all import DeQuan Jones, who fired 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in that game.
“I think we have to work hard and play for it,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria, referring to their goal of beating NLEX en route to securing the top seed in Group A.
“It (winning) will give us a lot of confidence because for me, they are the top contender. You can see it from how they play, so we need to get the playoff mindset,” he added.
Meanwhile, Magnolia hopes to keep its winning run going heading to the playoffs.
The Hotshots squeaked past the Elasto Painters, 98-97.
But knowing the implications of the playoffs, Rain or Shine has no plans of slowing down in its bid to secure the top seed in the playoffs at Group B.
For Rain or Shine to get the No. 1 spot, they also need to beat the Phoenix Super LPG on Friday, the last day of the elimination round. RICHARD DY
