Today’s double-header to determine PBA quarterfinal pairings

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Meralco

7:30 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Petron

THE elimination round of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup concludes today with a pair of matches that will determine the quarterfinal pairings at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters meet the Meralco Bolts in the first game while the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters tackle the Petron Blaze Boosters in the main game.

A quarterfinal pairing that is already certain is the battle between the Alaska Aces and the Air21 Express.

The Aces will have a twice-to-beat advantage against the Express after ending the eliminations on top with 11 wins and only three defeats. The eighth-ranked Express ended the eliminations with a 6-8 (win-loss) record.

First to be eliminated were the Barako Bull Energy Colas (5-9) and Globalport Batang Pier (2-12).

Win or lose, Rain or Shine is already assured of the number two seeding in the playoffs, which also comes with a twice-to-beat incentive. The Painters occupy the second spot with a 9-4 card followed by the defending champions San Mig Coffee Mixers, who ended the eliminations with eight wins and six defeats.

The other quarterfinal pairings will be played in best-of-three affairs with the number three team facing the number six team and the number four squad going up against the fifth seed.

Petron and Talk ‘N Text both 7-6 slates, while Ginebra and Meralco sport 7-7 and 7-6 records, respectively.

Four scenarios can happen after tonight’s double-header.

If Rain or Shine beats Meralco and Talk ‘N Text wins over Petron Blaze, the Painters will play Meralco while San Mig Coffee takes on Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text collides with Petron in separate best-of-three series.

If Rain or Shine beats Meralco and Petron wins over Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine will play Meralco, while Petron takes on Ginebra and San Mig collides with Talk ‘N Text.

If Meralco beats Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text wins over Petron, the Painters will play Ginebra, while San Mig tackles Meralco and Talk ‘N Text meets Petron.

If Meralco beats Rain or Shine and Petron wins over Talk ‘N Text, it will be be the Painters versus Ginebra, while Petron battles Talk ‘N Text and San Mig faces Meralco.  /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA