Games today
Araneta Coliseum
5:15 p.m.- Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text
7:30 p.m.- B-Meg vs. Petron
The B-Meg Llamados look to fortify their hold of the second spot as they clash with the Petron Blaze Boosters in the semifinal round of the 37th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.
With a crucial win at stake, B-Meg top gun James Yap vowed to suit up despite a hurting back.
“May konting sakit pa rin. Pero naka-practice ako,” Yap told pba.ph.
Slowed down by a back spasm, Yap played just 14 minutes last Saturday but the Llamados still found a way to defeat the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters, 94-91.
The Llamados are protecting a slim lead over the Barangay Ginebra Kings for the second spot. B-Meg has a 7-3 (win-loss) record while Ginebra has a 7-4 slate. Occupying the number one spot is Rain or Shine with a 9-2 record.
The top two teams after the semifinal round will advanced to the semis.
B-Meg head coach Tim Cone said a win over Petron will definitely boost their bid of earning a finals slot.
“If we can get the win, it would be a huge follow-up to our Talk ’N Text win,” Cone said. “It’s a big job for us to beat Petron.
Getting a win against Petron will be a big challenge since the Boosters are also desperate of keeping their title-retention bid alive.
Petron, who sports a 6-5 record, is coming off an 85-87 loss to Ginebra. It needs to win their remaining games to stay in contention.
Tournament format states a semifinalist which fails to finish in the top two but wins four of five semifinal games will earn a playoff for the second finals slot.
Petron prevailed over B-Meg in their elimination round encounter, 92-80.
“They’re a tough matchup for us, but we feel prepared for them this time around,” said Cone.
The first game pits the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters and Meralco Bolts—two teams who are hard-pressed to win after starting their semifinal campaign with separate losses.
Talk ’N Text has five wins and five losses, while Meralco is at bottom with a 4-7 record.