PBA News | Win or lose, the game between Meralco and Phoenix is crucial
March 16, 2023When Jamike Jarin’s Phoenix Super LPG takes the court against Meralco on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena for the PBA Governors Cup, you can be sure that the veteran coach will not be making things difficult for his team.
On the eve of the match, Jarin said, “To uncomplicate things we just have to get a win tomorrow.” The outcome of the game, which will be the final of the 11-game eliminations for both the Bolts and the Fuel Masters, will be crucial in determining the final standings.
To improve its chances of finishing in the top four and securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the eight-team quarterfinals, Meralco needs to win its second consecutive game and seventh in 11 contests overall.
PBA Governors Cup: Standings and Remaining Games of Teams Fighting for a Spot in the Quarterfinals
NLEX is 7-3 and in fourth place. Although the Bolts are currently in fifth place after beating coach Frankie Lim’s squad by a score of 114-98 on February 23, they would move up to fourth place if Meralco were to win against Phoenix and the Road Warriors lost their final elims game against San Miguel Beer on March 15.
After a disappointing 1-5 start to the playoffs, Phoenix is focused on making it to the next round on its own merits.
Following the eighth-place Fuel Masters, at 2-7, are Rain or Shine, NorthPort, and Terrafirma. The winner of Saturday’s match between the Batang Pier and the Elasto Painters will move to 3-0, but both teams, like Terrafirma, will face a tough challenge when they face their previous opponents again.
As of this writing (March 13), NorthPort still has TNT in their final elims game on March 15, and Rain or Shine still has San Miguel Beer two days later.
Terrafirma, meanwhile, will face off against Magnolia later on Saturday and Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday.
“So they’re going to have their hands full pa,” noted Jarion, before adding: “We’re not hoping Rain or Shine, NorthPort or Terrafirma drop all their remaining games. Our end muna is still in our hands, so we intend to see to it as best we can.
In the event of a loss to Meralco, a tiebreaker and then sudden-death pa would be necessary. “Kasi worst scenario is at least two of those teams also end up with four wins. So, our goal is to win and keep things simple.
Phoenix needs to find a way to overcome the things it lacked in its 89-109 loss to Ginebra on Friday in order to beat a Meralco team riding high after its 132-129 overtime win over Converge earlier that day.
We lacked energy last night, so we need to bring that with us,” Jarin said. Making some shots that help our offense would be fantastic. Kasi, last night we had some good scoring opportunities, but our shots didn’t go in.
Final Thoughts
The game between Meralco and Phoenix is indeed crucial, as it will determine the final standings of both teams in the PBA Governors Cup Betting. Meralco needs to win to secure a top-four spot and twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, while Phoenix is focused on making it to the next round on their own merits after a disappointing start to the playoffs. Jamike Jarin’s team needs to overcome their lack of energy and improve their offense to beat a Meralco team riding high after a thrilling overtime win. Regardless of the outcome, both teams need to give their best to have a shot at the championship.
