It’s either sink or swim as San Miguel and Terrafirma figure in a bout so crucial in their quarterfinal aspirations in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen, presently at No. 8 with a 5-5 record, simply need to win to stay in contention for a spot in the playoffs’ opening round that opens May 13.
On the other hand, the Dyip, at ninth, toting a 4-6 slate, have no other choice but to ace the tough test, for a loss would mean the end of their conference.
Both teams know exactly what’s at stake in their 7:30 p.m. match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium later: Win and stay alive, lose and it’s all over for them.
Should the traditional powerhouse take care of business, they’d improve to 6-5 in the standings and would definitely keep them in the Magic Eight discussion.
If they can’t, then San Miguel would find itself tied with the Dyip at 5-6 and looking at a must-win final game versus Phoenix, with tiebreakers looming.
In the event Terrafirma loses, it falls to 4-7 and will head to another early break, marking another disappointing run after a promising 3-0 start.
That’s how the scenarios shall unfold for these two, but according to the Casino Plus sportsbook, the Beermen are a whopping -11.5 favorite to win with the total over/under set at 209.0.
Wagers can be placed here: https://www.casinoplus.com.ph/home/inGame?name=basketball&title=SportBet.
Both squads are actually coming in with momentum on their sides, with the Beermen coming off a 103-92 win over Meralco last April 28.
The Dyip, on the other hand, dealt Macau a 102-84 waylaying last Saturday, which ended their six-game skid and revived their quarterfinal hopes.
Opening Wednesday’s double-header at 5;15 p.m. would be the Fuel Masters and the Black Knights, with the former gunning for a QF ticket.
Phoenix is currently just outside the Top Four with a 6-4 card, which it attained following a 100-97 overtime win over TNT thanks to Tyler Tio’s clutch three.
Since seven has been historically the magic number for qualification in 13-team conferences, the crew definitely has its sights set on netting as much.
If it does, and if ever they win against the Beermen in their final elimination round game, then the Fuel Masters could be contending for a Top Four spot.
Phoenix is coming in as the favorite versus a Macau team that’s been beset with manpower issues, with Damian Chongqui’s status uncertain for the game.
Chongqui infamously walked out in the middle of their meeting with the Dyip at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and it remains unclear if he’d be available or not.
Whatever happens, the Black Knights have already been out of contention, but are sure to come out swinging in an attempt to end their run strongly.
According to the Casino Plus sportsbook, Macau is a +9.5 underdog. The total points total spread is set at 219.0.
