Games Today
(Araneta Coliseum)
5:15 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Barangay Ginebra
7:30 p.m. — Air21 vs Petron Blaze
 
Barangay Ginebra and Petron Blaze try to clinch semifinal berths in separate assignments today as clear lines are now being drawn between those who have the heart to forge on and those who will falter in the elimination round of the Philippine Basketball Association Governor’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings and Boosters are currently tied for fourth to seventh place with idle Powerade and Meralco with even 4-4 win-loss slates and wins tonight will earn them spots in the semis where Rain or Shine (7-1), Talk ‘N Text and B-Meg (5-3) have already qualified.
But the Gin Kings are expected to face tough opposition from Barako Bull, the only other squad still with chances of making it to the next phase with its 3-4 record. They face off in the 5:15 p.m.
The Boosters, on the other hand, are heavily tipped to exploit the low morale that has beset Air21 which is coming off a humiliating 80-110 rout suffered in the hands of out-of-it-all Alaska last Wednesday that eliminated the Express from further contention. The two teams take on each other in the 7:30 p.m. featured game.
Last Sunday, the Gin Kings dropped a 111-113 decision to the Tropang Texters but, if it is of any consolation for the crowd favorites, the tournament has been an up-and-down experience, alternating each loss with a win.
The Energy are also off a loss to Talk ‘N Text (89-109) but that was last June 20 and that nine-day respite could inject energy back in the game of import LeRoy Hickerson who could only produce 20 points in that loss.
The Boosters will also be returning from a disappointing 82-103 loss to the Elasto Painters last Saturday in Dumaguete.
But if the Express’ lackadaisical showing against the Aces is to be of any gauge of the Boosters’ chances, Petron will likely breeze through to the next round.
Wins by the Gin Kings and Boosters will leave Meralco and Powerade in a tug-of-war for the last berth in the six-team semis.
The Tigers will meet B-Meg tomorrow in the tournament’s last provincial outing in Legazpi, Albay while the Bolts battle the Energy on Sunday.