Crucial games for bottom two teams in PBA today

Games today:

Mall of Asia Arena

4:15 p.m.- Air21 vs. Alaska

6:30 p.m.- Ginebra vs. Talk ‘N Text

A PAIR OF CRUCIAL games mark the end of the elimination round of the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Air21 Express face off with the Alaska Aces in the first game, while the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the nightcap.

Currently tied at the bottom of the standings with identical 2-6 (win-loss) cards, the Express and the Texters are looking for wins to stay alive in the contention.

Alaska is already assured of a quarterfinal seat but still needs to win over Air21 to secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round.

The Aces occupy the fifth spot with an even 4-4 record.

Ginebra is at eighth spot with a 3-5 record. Victories by the Aces and the Kings will complete the eight quarterfinalists, thus eliminating the Express and the Texters.

Already assured of twice-to-beat edges are the league-leading Petron Blaze Boosters (8-1), San Mig Coffee Mixers (6-3) and Meralco Bolts (5-4).

Battling for that last twice-to-beat incentive are the Aces and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5-4).

Already in the quarterfinals but with twice-to-win disadvantages are the Barako Bull Energy Colas and the GlobalPort Batang Pier.

In case of ties after today’s double-header, playoff games will only be held for the fourth and eighth spots.

In the quarters, it will be No. 1 team versus No. 8; No. 2 versus No. 7; No. 3 versus No. 6; and No. 4 versus No. 5. The number one to four teams will be twice-to-beat against their lower-ranked foes. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA