Magnolia, Meralco, Phoenix, NorthPort close in on twice-to-beat edge

MAGNOLIA got off to a blazing start in the elimination round of the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup, racking up seen straight wins to guarantee itself the first seat in the quarterfinal playoffs.

Although it finally suffered a loss at the hands of Rain or Shine, the Hotshots remained right on track for one of the four twice-to-beat spots in the quarterfinals – a valuable advantage in their impending playoff run.

Meanwhile, Phoenix and Meralco have clinched places in the quarterfinals and are also in contention for twice-to-beat berths, while the last seat is expected to be closely contested in the coming playdates.

Here’s a general overview of how the twice-to-beat race is shaping up.

zach lofton

PHOTO: Jeroma Ascano

MAGNOLIA

With the Hotshots holding a 7-1 win-loss record, a win over Terrafirma on Wednesday would be sufficient. Aside from an eighth win traditionally being the magic number of a sure twice-to-beat berth, Magnolia is in strong position even if it loses its two remaining games compared to teams such as NorthPort, San Miguel, and Barangay Ginebra.

PHOENIX AND MERALCO

The Fuel Masters and the Bolts are in second place on 6-1 win-loss records, and the safest passage into twice-to-beat seats is to also reach eight victories or win two out of their four remaining games. Both teams have tough schedules though.

The Fuel Masters still have NorthPort on Wednesday before facing San Miguel, Meralco, and TNT, all of which are looking to steal that incentive away from them.

The Bolts’ remaining schedule isn’t easy either with matches against Barangay Ginebra on Friday before closing the eliminations against Magnolia, Phoenix, and Terrafirma.

venky jois northport

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

SAN MIGUEL AND NORTHPORT

If the eliminations end now, the fourth and final twice-to-beat incentive will be contested by NorthPort and San Miguel as they have 5-3 win-loss records. And since the Batang Pier  won their elimination-round match last December 8, 115-101, they and not the Beermen will take No. 4. Of course, the elimination round isn’t over yet, and anything can still happen.

BARANGAY GINEBRA

Even though it is at sixth with a 4-3 win-loss record, the Gin Kings can still crash the party and take that twice-to-beat spot. But it needs to win almost all of their games in order to have a chance. Their elimination-round game against NorthPort on January 7 could be a key match-up for the twice-to-beat.

TNT

The Tropang Giga, at seventh, can still finish with a 7-4 win-loss record that could be enough for a twice-to-beat, but it must already sweep their remaining three games. TNT still has a Christmas game against Barangay Ginebra, and matches against quarterfinal-seeking Rain or Shine and Phoenix.