Barako Bull faces tough Rain or Shine, tries to stay clear of last two spots in standings

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. Globalport

7:30 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Rain or Shine

The struggling Barako Bull Energy Colas try to keep their quarterfinal bid alive as they battle tough Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in today’s main game of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

In the first game, the league-leading Alaska Aces cap their impressive elimination round campaign with a no-bearing match against the ousted Globalport Batang Pier.

Regardless of the outcome of the game, the Aces are already assured of a top seeding going into the quarterfinal round.

Tournament format states that the number one and two teams after the elimination round will enjoy a twice-to-beat edge over the eighth and seventh seeds in the quarters. The bottom two, on the other hand, will be eliminated.

Globalport was the first team to get the boot. The team only has two wins to show in 12 games and has lost their last nine games.

Barako Bull is presently at ninth place with a 4-8 (win-loss) card but the Energy Colas can still climb out of that last elimination spot since eighth-ranked Air21, which has a 5-8 slate, is still within their reach.

Currently at solo second place with an 8-4 record, the Painters are also looking for a victory that will bring them closer to the second twice-to-beat edge.

Teams trying to catch up with Rain or Shine for the top two spot are Petron, Ginebra, San Mig, Meralco and Talk ‘N Text.

The other quarterfinal pairings will have the number three team going up against the number six squad and the fourth-ranked team battling the number five squad in a pair of best-of-three duels.

The Elasto Painters should win their last two games to assure themselves of the second twice-to-beat advantage. The Aces took the first incentive after beating Ginebra, 102-93, last Wednesday.