Struggling teams eye crucial victories

Games today:

Smart Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Air21 vs. Meralco

7:30 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Talk ‘N Text

AS THE ELIMINATION round enters its critical stage, four teams currently at the bottom part of the standings seek crucial wins today in the 37th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Air21 Express lock horns with the Meralco Bolts in the first game, while the Barako Bull Energy slug it out with the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in the main game.

Since only six teams will advance to the semis, victories will be crucial for the four teams.

The Energy are tied with the Barangay Ginebra Kings for the fifth and sixth spots with identical 3-3 (win-loss) slates.

Air21, Meralco and Talk N Text are part of the bottom four.

The Tropang Texters, who are uncharacteristically battling for survival after a string of Finals appearances, are at seventh place with two wins and three losses.

The Bolts are at eighth place with a 2-4 card followed by the Express, who are 1-4. The Alaska Aces are at 10th and last spot with six losses against a single victory.

Tournament format states that four teams will be eliminated after the first round while the six other squads will advance to the semifinal round./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA